Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2015
343. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to works undertaken at a quay (details supplied) in County Galway; if officials of his Department or agencies under his remit have expressed concerns in relation to the possible heritage, aesthetic or visual impact of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23167/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI previously answered a very similar question on this matter for the deputy on the 27th of May. My Department does not have responsibility for the quay at Seanchéibh, which is owned by Galway County Council. Full responsibility for its development, repair and maintenance, rests with that Local Authority.
My Department does, however provide funding for the small scale development and repair of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
When funding is made available it is done so on the basis of the project specifications set out by the local authority who are wholly responsible for the design of the works. The actual works, including ancillary works, are carried out by the local authority themselves. In addition the Local Authority itself is fully responsible for ensuring that permits relating to the project, including planning permission, foreshore licence etc. are in place, as appropriate. Other issues aligned to the implementation of the project such as heritage and aesthetic issues are matters solely for the Local Authority.
I would therefore direct the deputy to contact the Local Authority in the first instance with regard to this matter. It can also be pursued further with the Local Authorities’ parent Department, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
