Vol. 453 No. 2
28 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has to pay compensation to lobster fishermen operating from Kilmore Quay for loss of earnings due to the ongoing port developments there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8354/95]
The major development works at Kilmore Quay, which have resulted in the temporary closure of the harbour, are being undertaken by the Department at the request of both Wexford County Council and the local fishing community. In excess of £2.5 million is being invested in the project which will result in a magnificent harbour benefiting all fishermen and indeed the south-east Wexford area in general.
The funding voted to the Department of the Marine for fishery harbour development purposes is to be used for such works only. It cannot be used to compensate fishermen for any disruption arising.
The Department of the Marine is conscious that the lobster fishermen have had to moor outside the harbour and in other locations as a result of the works at Kilmore Quay. However, in order to help alleviate the problem to some extent the Department will move the bund around the mouth of the harbour back past the underpinned section of the pier. This will provide some 55m of berthage at the mouth of the harbour to cater for small boats while the project is being completed.
