Ray Burke
Ceist:341 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for the Marine the action, if any, he will take to clean up Balbriggan Harbour, removing the silt and derelict boats. [22627/96]
Written Answers. - Harbour Control and Maintenance.
The Control and maintenance of Balbriggan Harbour is the responsibility of Dublin Port and Docks Board. However, late last year my Department made a grant of £60,000 to Dublin Port and Docks Board towards a significant programme of remedial and renovation work to include the breaking and disposal of wrecks, clearing rubbish from the harbour and certain dredging works at Balbriggan Harbour.
In December 1995 and January 1996 Dublin Port and Docks Board removed all wrecks from Balbriggan Harbour. I am disappointed to learn that since the removal of the wrecks, three further vessels have been illegally abandoned in the harbour. Responsibility for the removal of the vessels lies with the owners. Dublin Port and Docks Board have instructed the owners to remove the wrecks and have given the owners until the end of December to comply with their instructions.
I understand that Dublin Port and Docks was recently awarded, through the courts, recoupment of a substantial part of the costs of removing a vessel in the harbour. They intend to continue to pursue irresponsible owners who abandon vessels to the detriment of the harbour and the environment generally. I have asked Dublin Port and Docks Board to examine the prospects of a regular campaign for the removal of silt from the harbour.