I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 25 together.
The following engineering reports on harbours in Donegal have been prepared by the Department since January 1995:
Location
|
Subject
|
Magheraroarty
|
Improvement of the pier.
|
Lugnadrum, Glencolmcille
|
Improvement of the slipway and winch.
|
Malinbeg
|
Repairs to pier and slipway and replacement of the winch.
|
Carrickboyle
|
Repair of the pier.
|
Curransport
|
Extension of the slipway.
|
Arranmore Island
|
Improvement of ferry landing facilities at Leabgarrow.
|
|
Raising of pier deck level and repairs at Rannach Pier.
|
|
Repairs to pier at Poolawaddy.
|
Burtonport
|
Reports in relation to the now completed drilling, blasting and dredging contract.
|
|
Improvement of fendering and ladders.
|
Tory Island
|
Reports on the inception and planning of the current dredging and pier extension project.
|
|
Reports on dredging works undertaken and completed in 1996.
|
Killybegs FHC
|
Reports covering annual maintenance works programmes and appraisal of existing and future infrastructure needs.
|
The Department's engineering division is not currently undertaking any specific reports into harbour infrastructure in County Donegal. However, I have recently commissioned a separate consultants' report on Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre to assess the capability, and medium to long-term infrastructural requirements, of the port in terms of meeting the needs of the fishing industry in the region.
A three year fishery harbour capital development programme, 1997-99 is being prepared and requirements in County Donegal are being considered in the context of the programme. The funding currently available over the lifetime of the fisheries operational programme for harbour works is very limited. Only projects which demonstrate a significant potential return from a fisheries perspective can be contemplated for aid under the programme. In that regard the available technical and other reports together with submissions made by Donegal County Council and local interest groups will inform decisions in due course.
I have commissioned an independent analysis of the requirements at the port of Killybegs. This study will be completed shortly and will inform future funding decisions. I am satisfied that significant infrastructural investment is needed at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre to ensure the necessary capability to service the present and future needs of the fishing industry in the north west region. I will pursue the case for additional funding for the development of fishery harbour infrastructure generally, and Killybegs in particular, in the context of the mid-term review of EU Structural Funds and elsewhere as necessary.