Vol. 540 No. 1
157 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will commission, or make available the necessary funds for a feasibility study to determine the viability of Ballina port and harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19657/01]
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, £20 million has been allocated to marine tourism, and targeted particularly at improving marine access infrastructure such as marinas, berths and slipways. The scheme will be part of the two regional operational programmes and the funding has been allocated £6 million for the south and east region and £14 million for the Border, midland and western region. It is intended that the activities eligible for funding under the scheme will include feasibility studies for marine access infrastructure projects. The scheme, however, is not expected to be in place until later this summer and applications cannot be accepted before it is formally launched and applications invited.
On a recent visit to Ballina, County Mayo, I was made aware of a number of development proposals for the harbour area, among which was a proposal for a new marina. However, this project cannot yet be considered as being a formal application as my Department's marine tourism grant scheme is not yet in place.
I can assure the Deputy that all parties who have expressed an interest in the scheme, including those in Ballina, will be sent details and an application form as soon as they are available. Once the formal scheme is in place and a formal application received from the promoters of the Ballina project, it will be assessed in accordance with the procedures laid down under the scheme.
158 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when works (details supplied) in County Cork will be carried out. [19685/01]
Under my Department's fishery harbours development programme for 2001, I have recently approved the allocation of financial assistance to Cork County Council in respect of the following projects:
|
Cost |
Grant |
||
|
Youghal |
Preparation of tender and planning documents |
£20,000 |
£15,000 |
|
Youghal |
Sea wall repairs |
£30,000 |
£22,500 |
