Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 1995

Vol. 456 No. 3

Written Answers. - Howth (Dublin) Pier.

Liam Fitzgerald

Ceist:

159 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Marine if he will have arrangements made to have an inspection of the walkway on the East Pier, Howth, County Dublin, carried out in view of the importance of Howth as a tourist and recreational centre; if his Department will undertake to repair the broken seats, install more seating, make the walk area accessible for wheelchair people, resurface the walk area and provide additional public lighting on the East Pier in order to improve security for people who use the pier for recreation on winter nights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13915/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

Howth is a working fishery harbour with a large community of leisure users accommodated in it and sharing its facilities. The pier is a working area and part of the protective structure forming the harbour. Fingal County Council, in succession to Dublin County Council, own the seats on the east pier under licence from the Department of the Marine. The county council is responsible for their maintenance.

There are no funds available at the moment to undertake the works of the nature suggested by the Deputy, Nevertheless, I am conscious of the need to provide adequate facilities for visitors to the harbour and am examining the possibility of identifying other sources of funding.