Vol. 561 No. 5
218 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by Dunmore East fishermen and the harbour users committee concerning developments proposed for Dunmore East harbour and that recommendations by a board set up by his predecessor were not included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5036/03]
In November 2000 a comprehensive technical and socio-economic review of the infrastructure requirements at the harbour was undertaken by KPMG Consulting in association with Posford Duvivier on behalf of the Department. The review of the harbour identified a range of development options ranging in price from an estimated €14 million to €24 million.
This year I have allocated funding to engage consultants to commence the examination of options for a new pier development at the harbour. I have also approved funding of €200,000 for safety and maintenance works in the harbour in 2003. Funding of €50,000 and €110,000 will be provided to complete work on the installation of security cameras and road surfacing.
In late 2001 my predecessor appointed an interim board at Dunmore East comprising representatives of the fishing and marine leisure interests at the harbour, as well as representatives from Waterford County Council, BIM and the Department. In addition, the services of Waterford in Business were engaged to examine the business opportunities at the harbour and to work with the interim board. Much valuable information was gained from this exercise, particularly in respect of how the harbour should be managed and its worth to the local economy and surrounding area. A number of these recommendations have been adopted and more are under consideration in the context of the restructuring of fishery harbour centres generally. The proposals put forward concerning charges at Dunmore East have been taken into account in the formulation of new charges for FHCs. I propose to consult the industry in respect of these charges shortly.
