Vol. 521 No. 2
48 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in implementing the local fishery harbour management boards as submissions have been received since September 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16759/00]
Management of the fishery harbour centres needs to be restructured to deliver a more commercial and flexible approach to respond effectively to local circumstances and user requirements. I am giving priority to the development of a new management framework which will devolve the day-to-day management of the centres from my Department. My objective is to deliver greater local involvement and a more responsive and commercial approach to delivering services to users within an appropriate overall framework.
A range of submissions on the future management of the harbours have been made by interested parties. I will convene a consultative meeting of management users and interests from all FHCs before the end of June to hear at first hand the views of those most directly involved on the ground. These discussions will inform the overall strategic approach and I intend to bring proposals for legislative and structural change to Government as soon as possible.
