Vol. 490 No. 3
45 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the amount of money allocated in 1997 to the proposed dredging operation of Ballycotton harbour, County Cork; whether this money has been expended on the proposed dredging; if not, the position regarding the allocated funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10173/98]
The harbour at Ballycotton is owned by Cork County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority. Cork County Council has not made any proposal to my Department concerning the breakwater at Ballycotton. In any event, the funding available for development works at fishery harbours is very limited and is necessarily focused in the main on a small number of strategic harbours. It is unlikely, therefore, that aid can be provided for works at Ballycotton in the short term. The matter will, however, be kept under review, in consultation with Cork County Council, having regard to available funds.
