Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Harbours and Piers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Ceisteanna (630)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

630. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans that are in place for Killybegs harbour to facilitate future demand in the offshore wind sector against a backdrop of tried and tested experience in this sector in facilitating onshore wind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37710/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre (FHC) is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by the Department under Statute.

The FHCs were established to act as dedicated centres and focal points for the promotion and development of the Irish seafood industry which comes under the remit of this Department.

Overall policies and strategies for delivering on climate change and renewable energies are not primarily a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, these primarily fall under the remit of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.

I would like to advise the Deputy, however, that Killybegs FHC is already facilitating the importation of wind turbine components for distribution in the North West.  

Funding for Capital works in the six FHCs is made available on an annual basis by the Department, via the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. A phased programme for the infrastructural development and maintenance of the six FHCs has been progressed over the last number of years. Between 2010 and 2020, over €139m has been invested in these developments.

In recognition of increasing levels of fishing, commercial cargo (incl wind turbine parts) and cruise liner activity in Killybegs, a project to provide an additional 120m of quay space at Smooth Point was initiated. Phase 1 of the project, which entailed the dredging and removal of the contaminated material, commenced in 2017 and was completed in 2018.

Phase 2 of the project involves the dredging of the remaining uncontaminated material and construction of the 120 metres of berthing space. Work is progressing on the project which has been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. It is still expected to be substantially completed by the Spring of 2022 with a total project cost (phase 1 and phase 2) of approximately €20m.

Should any proposals be brought forward either centrally or from private enterprises to develop the infrastructure in any of the FHCs to support the marine renewable industry, they will be considered as appropriate. As is the case with all developments in the six FHCs generally, any future decision regarding formally initiating capital projects will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding, competing national priorities and compatability with existing activities.

Barr
Roinn