Vol. 467 No. 4
325 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine whether there is a harbour board in Ballina, County Mayo; if so, the number of members on the board; the regularity with which the board meets; and if he will give details of its meetings since June 1994. [13221/96]
326 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has for the port at Ballina, County Mayo; whether a feasibility study has been carried out recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13222/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.
The River Moy Harbour Board has 11 members. The board meets if and when there is harbour business to be discussed. The board held 14 meetings since June 1994.
I am aware that a feasibility study on proposed deepwater berthing facilities at Ross Point was carried out recently. The result showed that, given the long river approach, it would be unrealistic to expect that any development works at the quay or in the estuary would increase, on a long-term basis, the size of vessels using the port. I understand that only vessels of less than 1000 tonnes capacity can access the quay area at present, and in the circumstances I have no plans for the development of the River Moy harbour.
