Vol. 570 No. 2
351 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the consultations which took place in relation to his proposals to dramatically increase charges for fishermen and harbour users at Dunmore East; the groups which were involved in the consultations; if his attention has been drawn to the impact this will have on people's livelihoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18861/03]
Charges at the five fishery harbour centres were last increased in 1990 and are clearly in need of upward revision. Proposed new charges for the fishery harbour centres were published on 21 May 2003 and the statutory consultation period of 21 days ended on 10 June 2003. The proposed new changes were advised by the Department to the main representative fishing organisations at a meeting on 20 May. I am carefully considering the more than 50 submissions received before making my decision. New charges will not operate on 1 July 2003 but from a later date to be decided.
