Vol. 561 No. 4
461 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding in place for the proposed harbour development in Innisturk, County Mayo; if the money has been allocated; the position in relation to this; the amount of money which has been allocated for it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4607/03]
Funding of €291,156 has been provided by my Department to enable Mayo County Council to prepare both a preliminary report and contract documents for the development of improved harbour facilities on Inishturk.
As this preparatory work has now been completed, along with similar preparatory work on a new pier for the neighbouring Clare Island, I have recently authorised the council to invite tenders for these two projects as a single construction contract. Assuming that an acceptable tender is received for the joint project and that all other requirements are in place, it should be possible to have a contractor appointed by mid-summer with a view to having work commenced in early autumn.
462 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money which has been spent on Blacksod Harbour in County Mayo in 2002 and in 2003 to date; if the project of developing the harbour into a marine and leisure facility is going ahead; the funding which has been allocated; the work which has been done; the funding drawn down; if the money is in place for the project; if the project will go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4331/03]
During 2001/2002 a total of €433,838 was expended between my Department and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on preparatory planning work relating to this project. It has now been agreed that my Department will be responsible for the further advancement of the necessary works to the pier at Blacksod. It is anticipated that the project, which involves the extension of the pier, will be completed by Mayo County Council in 2003 under my Department's scheme for the development of strategic Gaeltacht harbours. The cost of the works will not be known until the tendering process has been completed by the council. Funding has been provided in my Department's Estimates for the development of strategic Gaeltacht piers. Blacksod pier has been identified as appropriate for such development subject to all other requirements being in place.
The provision of marine leisure facilities does not come within the remit of my Department's scheme and is not proposed as part of the present development at Blacksod.
