Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 May 2012
146 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a system in Dingle Harbour, County Kerry, whereby boat owners using water from the harbour will be metered rather than the standard charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24770/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraCharges for the use of facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres are currently levied by virtue of the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates and Charges) Order 2003. Under the current Rates and Charges Order a monthly charge is paid by all fishing vessels where no water metering system is available, and €2.50 per m3 is charged for metered water.
My Department is evaluating the installation of a water metering system into every Fishery Harbour Centre; however this will be subject to current funding constraints. My Department has recently conducted a review of the 2003 Rate and Charges Order and a draft new Order, the first proposed change to the fee schedule for almost a decade, has been prepared on foot of that review. The new draft Order was the subject of a public consultation process that closed on 20th April last, and I am pleased to note that my Department has received a total of 87 submissions in relation to the revised charges, from a wide range of stakeholders in the Fishery Harbour Centres. These submissions, some of which address the water charges issue, are being given careful consideration at present, and when the examination is complete I will, if necessary, make any appropriate amendments.
147 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on waste charges in harbours (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24781/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraCharges for the use of facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres are currently levied by virtue of the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates and Charges) Order 2003. Each Fishery Harbour Centre is regarded as the Local Competent Authority and is required to have a fee structure in place so that all ships calling to port are required to contribute significantly to the provision of port reception facilities in the port, whether any particular ship avails of facilities or not. This obligation to pay charges for disposal of waste ensures that waste is not dumped at sea in an effort to reduce harbour charges.
The requirements for management of waste are directed by EC Directive 2000/59/EC on port reception facilities for ship generated waste and cargo residues. Port Waste Management Plans are in place at each of the Fishery Harbour Centres and are revised to reflect the requirements of the Department of Transport. However my Department has recently conducted a review of the 2003 Order and a draft new Rates and Charges Order. The new draft Order was the subject of a public consultation process that closed on 20th April last, and I am pleased to note that my Department has received a total of 87 submissions in relation to the revised charges, from a wide range of stakeholders in the Fishery Harbour Centres. These submissions are being given careful consideration at present, and when the examination is complete I will, if necessary, make any appropriate amendments.
