Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:147 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the funds committed and promised for the new pier at Bantry have not been made available. [5812/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 February 2004
Ceisteanna (58, 59)
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:181 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the funds promised for the new pier at Bantry in west Cork; and when the work can commence. [5811/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 181 together.
I am awaiting advice from the Attorney General on various legal issues pertaining to the pier development at Bantry and, particularly, the expenditure of Exchequer funds thereon. Previously, it was indicated that funding of up to €1.9 million would be available subject to stringent conditions.
Under the Harbours Act 1946, a harbour authority is required to seek the Minister's consent for any financial commitment regarding infrastructural works. In August 2002, it was belatedly brought to the attention of my Department by Bantry Bay harbour commissioners that they had entered into a contract in respect of the pier development. The harbour commissioners were subsequently advised that, pending clarification on all financial issues relating to the project, the contractors were not to proceed with the project or incur additional expenditure. Advice has been sought on various legal issues pertaining to the pier development and a response is awaited from the Attorney General in this regard.