Martin Ferris
Ceist:557 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will withdraw the proposed new berthing charges. [21522/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 1 May 2012
Ceisteanna (481, 482)
Freagraí scríofa
The recently published draft new Rates and Charges Order sets out the first proposed changes in almost a decade to the fee schedule for the use of the facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Dingle, Castletownbere, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros a' Mhíl. The draft has been published following an extensive review of the existing Rates and Charges Order for the Fishery Harbour Centres that came into effect in 2003. The 21-day period for public consultations closed on Friday 20th April and a total of 85 submissions were made by stakeholders.
The submissions received will now be examined closely by my Department and all submissions will be given full consideration before I finalise the new order. My officials are willing to meet with interested parties to discuss the draft Rates and Charges Order, to provide any necessary clarification and to listen to and consider alternative suggestions to the individual charges included in the draft order. It is only when I have reflected on all the matters raised in the consultation process that I will finalise a new Rates and Charges Order for the harbours.
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:558 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the proposed increases in harbour charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21567/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recently published draft new Rates and Charges Order sets out the first proposed changes in almost a decade to the fee schedule for the use of the facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres, at Dingle, Castletownbere, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros a' Mhíl. The draft has been published following an extensive review of the existing Rates and Charges Order for the Fishery Harbour Centres that came into effect in 2003. A 21-day period for public consultations closed on Friday 20th April and a total of 85 submissions were made by stakeholders. The submissions received are being examined closely by my Department and all submissions will be given full consideration before the new Order is finalised.
Representatives of the Dingle Boatmen have indeed made a formal submission in relation to the charges. I am well aware of the valuable contribution that the harbour and its customers make to both the local and national economies. The harbour delivers both for the Fishing Industry and the Tourist Industry and I am pleased to say that in 2011 my Department invested almost €700,000 at the harbour from its capital programme. The valuable contribution made by the Dingle boatmen to the local tourist trade and in providing valuable employment is well known and acknowledged. It is not my intention to levy charges for use of the harbour facilities at a level that will affect them disproportionately. At the same time, it is my intention that the new rates and charges will spread the costs fairly and in a balanced way among all the harbour users.
Given the variety of the boats in use and the various charges applicable it may be useful for the representatives of the boatmen to meet with my Department's officials with a view to getting clarity on the level of charges applicable and offering their suggestions.