Vol. 561 No. 4
313 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of harbour facilities at Rossaveal, Connemara, County Galway and the upgrading of and refurbishment and expansion of Rossaveal Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4270/03]
In 2000 my Department engaged consultants to carry out an assessment of the capability of the existing infrastructure and on-shore facilities at Rossaveal Fishery Harbour Centre to service safely and efficiently the existing and future requirements of the fishing industry and other potential sources of commercial traffic. The report recommended two separate but complimentary developments at the harbour, namely the provision of a dedicated ferry berth and the provision of a deep water berth, with facilities for vessels up to eight metres draught. The overall cost of such developments was estimated at €30 million.
In 2001 and 2002, a total of €2.7 million was spent on works in relation to the Rossaveal Fishery Harbour Centre development. The Exchequer funding available to my Department in 2003 does not provide for further funding of the Rossaveal development at this time. As the Deputy will appreciate, there are a considerable number of pressing proposals for fishery harbour developments which require ongoing consideration. The question of advancing either of the Rossaveal developments will therefore have to be considered in the light of the Exchequer funding available going forward and the national priorities to be addressed.
