Vol. 500 No. 3
7 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the fishery harbours which have submitted proposals for the development of fishery harbour infrastructure; the projected works submitted and the estimated cost; and the level of funding available under the operational programme for fisheries 1994-99 for the development of these fishery harbours. [3724/99]
45 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has for harbour development to facilitate the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3745/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 45 together. The Department has an extensive list of proposals on hand for fishery harbour infrastructure development. Proposals have been submitted over recent years by fishery harbour users, including fishermen, processors and the aquaculture industry as well as local authorities. In addition, the Department has identified upgrading and developmental projects at key centres of fisheries activity around the coast. It is estimated that the total investment cost of these proposals would exceed £50 million.
Just over £8 million was allocated towards the development of fishery harbour infrastructure and facilities under the Operational Programme for Fisheries 1994-9. This funding has supported much needed investment in infrastructure and ice plant facilities at the fishery harbour centres and other priority locations. To the end of 1998 approximately £7.6 million has been invested in fishery harbours under the Operational Programme. The demand and need for infrastructu ral works has been significantly in excess of available funding to date.
In the context of the 1999 Estimates I have secured an exceptional increase in funding for priority fishery harbours development works. Capital funding for the programme has been increased by 148 per cent to £7.35 million. I have also committed, with the agreement of my colleague the Minister for Finance, an additional £3 million expenditure this year on small fishery harbours and landing places around the coast. The funding available for fishery harbours development in 1999 represents an increase of more than 300 per cent over previous years. I have already indicated the immediate priorities for investment are Killybegs, Burtonport, Greencastle, Dingle and Castletownbere as well as some smaller works in fishery harbours. The overall Fishery Harbour Capital Programme 1999 is being finalised and I will announce full details shortly.
It is obvious there is a huge gap between the available and the necessary resources to implement this programme. The Minister indicated the overall cost is £50 million while only £8 million is provided under the Operational Programme. While extra funding has been allocated in the 1999 Estimates, it still falls far short of what is required. When is it envisaged the programme will be completed in these important harbours? What is the position in Killybegs, which the Minister visited during the summer of 1997 when great plans were announced for its development? When will that port be developed and reach its full potential for the fishing fleet and offshore activities which may be in the pipeline?
The Coopers and Lybrand report which has been published shows the need for development and some important remedial works. The total estimated cost of these works and of the new berthage facilities is of the order of £20 million. Killybegs is of crucial importance as a fishery port, leading to some 3,000 jobs in the region. The work is ongoing and will continue. Work on the steel piles, which is expensive, will continue on the existing piers which were in a dangerous condition. Site investigations are under way and the necessary money has been provided. We are looking also at the possibility of a public and private partnership in relation to the new berthage facilities. I appreciate the importance of providing facilities for any future developments out into the Atlantic. Killybegs is well placed in that regard.
In relation to the smaller harbours, Donegal County Council has carried out an assessment and has put forward various projects. It wishes to undertake improvements in a whole range of harbours from Portnablagh to Rannagh Pier, Moville, Woodquarter Pier, Bruckless, Ballysaggart, Maughergallen, Ballywhoriskey, Bunagee, Portmore, Rathmullan Pier. All this work cannot be done immediately. Out of the extra money provided I hope to consider some of these as part of the 1999 programme.
What about Burtonport?
That is one of the larger ports and was mentioned in my reply.
While I am impressed with the Minister's announcement about Donegal I am disappointed he has not mentioned south west Cork and the main fishery port, Castletownbere.
I hope the Deputy is not forgetting Wexford.
The Minister of State has made Wexford a super landing area. Is it the Minister's intention to proceed with the proposed Castletownbere improvement plans this year and, if so, what money will be spent on it, given that he persuaded the Government to allocate £7.35 million for major harbours plus £3 million for small fishery harbours? We also have Baltimore and several other smaller harbours in west Cork.
What about Schull?
Schull is not doing badly. Other landing places such as Cunnamore Pier etc. have submitted their applications. Given the Minister's generosity to the Donegal coastline, what is his commitment to south-west Cork?
I have already indicated the immediate priorities for investment include Castletownbere. In 1998 I commissioned Price Waterhouse Coopers to carry out an analysis of the infrastructural requirements of Castletownbere fishery harbour centre. The report has been received in the Department and will come to me shortly. I will make copies available to Deputies in the near future in order to have an informed discussion on what will happen.
Has the Minister circulated a copy of the Coopers and Lybrand report on Killybegs?
Yes.
Does it contain the development proposals envisaged for Killybegs?
It is an analysis of the whole project and the economics of it. I can supply a copy to the Deputy.
Many harbours engage consultants to develop proposals. The Department of the Marine and Natural Resources engages consultants who go after what is realistic. Sometimes there is a variation in the reports. What are the proposals for the five main fishery harbours in the context of the £50 million? What is the arrangement for the public and private partnership arrangement? If the Minister is to achieve his objective, as in the case of the white fishing fleet, and if there is to be an improvement in the fishery harbours that may be the direction in which we should proceed. What proposals are on hand for the five main fishery harbours, the costings and the timeframe for completing the work?
I will get a copy of the report on Killybegs to the Deputy. I note what the Deputy has said. The points raised will be followed up. I ask to be excused as I have a plane to catch in a short time to go on official business. The Minister of State will reply to the other questions.
