Vol. 554 No. 5
832 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if funding will be made available to enable a small marina to be constructed in Youghal, County Cork; the projected cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17134/02]
Under the national development plan funding is available for the development of marinas. The Deputy will be aware that my predecessor launched the marine tourism sub-measure, which will be implemented by my Department as part of the two regional operational programmes of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Under this grant scheme, €25.4 million has been allocated to marine tourism, and targeted particularly at improving marine access infrastructure such as marinas, berths and slipways.
I understand that Nautical Enterprise Limited of Cork, carried out a feasibility study in September 2000 on behalf of Youghal UDC, East Cork Area Development and members of Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, for the provision of new marina at Youghal. While copies of the feasibility study have not yet been sent to my Department, I understand that the proposed marina will cater for 128 berths and will cost an estimated €10.8 million.
Following the launch of the marine tourism grant scheme on the 4 February, 2002 applications form and guidelines were sent to interested parties, including Youghal Marina sub-committee. However, no application was received by my Department in respect of this project under the first call which closed on 28 March 2002.
