Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Sep 1995

Vol. 455 No. 8

Written Answers. - North Donegal Piers.

Patrick D. Harte

Ceist:

423 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement on his recent visit to North Donegal with particular reference to the urgent repairs needed to Moville Pier, Carrickaroary Pier, Buncrana Pier and Rathmullan Pier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13215/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

During my recent trip to Donegal I visited a number of harbours, including those referred to by the Deputy, to see the condition of landing facilities at first hand. A number of the harbours require remedial repair works. The repair of harbours in County Donegal is a matter for Donegal County Council and Buncrana Harbour Commissioners in the case of Buncrana Harbour.

There is no doubt that many of the harbours in County Donegal and indeed throughout the country would benefit greatly from capital development works. Proposals for such works have been submitted by Donegal County Council to the Department of the Marine for consideration. However, the funding available for capital development works is particularly limited, amounting to only £1.5 million per annum. Against this background it is difficult to see how major development works can be undertaken at the piers mentioned in that short term. However, I will be making every effort to secure additional Exchequer funding for fishery harbours and the matter will be kept under review.