Harbours and Piers.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004

Tuesday, 30 March 2004

Ceisteanna (219, 220)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

333 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that since the commencement of the Greencastle/Magilligan ferry and the improvements to the fishing fleet in Greencastle, County Donegal, the undertakings given to the fishermen in regards to the capital dredging of the Queens Port and the maintenance dredging of Greencastle Harbour have not been honoured; and the way in which he proposes to relieve over congestion at Greencastle Harbour and solve the safety issues. [9844/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

Greencastle Harbour is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for its repair, maintenance and development rests with the local authority in the first instance. I am not aware of any commitments given to fishermen at Greencastle in respect of dredging. However, as the Deputy will be aware, I have recently approved the advancement of the proposed development project at Greencastle to planning stage and it is envisaged that the county council will commence this process shortly.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

334 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he has to finance urgent repairs to the pier at Helvick where serious structural damage has been done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9848/04]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The harbour at Helvick is owned by Waterford County Council and responsibility for any development or maintenance works rest with the local authority in the first instance. The National Development Plan 2000 — 2006 provided a total of €84 million for fishery harbour development. These funds are fully committed. However, should additional Exchequer funds become available, any proposal for works at Helvick could be considered in the context of the available funds and overall national priorities. The Deputy may wish to note that the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs has funding responsibility for marine works in Gaeltacht areas.