Harbours and Piers.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2006

Wednesday, 31 May 2006

Ceisteanna (107)

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

107 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that following the transfer of responsibility for Balbriggan and Skerries Harbours from Dublin Port Company to Fingal County Council in 2004, major defects were identified in the infrastructure of both harbours, which will cost nearly €5 million to remedy, which the Council are unable to fund from their own resources; and if he will make the necessary grants available to carry out the required work to reinstate the harbours, make them safe, and remove the wrecks from within Skerries Harbour. [21208/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Responsibility for Balbriggan and Skerries Harbours was transferred from Dublin Port Company to Fingal County Council in 2004 by ministerial order made under Section 88 of the Harbours Act 1996.

Following receipt of a submission in 2005 from Fingal County Council regarding works required at Balbriggan and Skerries Harbours, the Department responsible at the time, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, made a once-off payment of €231,817 as a contribution to the work required at the harbours. Any further works required in the harbours are primarily a matter for Fingal County Council. Further contributions from this Department are not currently under consideration.