Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

In recent years, Fenit Harbour has been largely neglected, especially in comparison with the other west coast ports of Killybegs or Castletownberehaven. A grant received in 2004 was welcome but totally inadequate relative to the vast level of safety and structural repairs needed to bring Fenit up to an acceptable standard and make it competitive. Costings of more than €6 million for work to bring the port up to a competitive level and modernise it have been forwarded to the commercial harbours division. That work is urgent, as the port's continued operation is at stake and thus the continued existence of 420 jobs at Liebherr in Killarney, for example, as well as those at the port itself.

The harbour board has once again outlined the type of work to be completed, including repairs to the viaduct, dredging, rotary fendering on the main pier, remedial work to the west wall and the cross quay, refurbishment of the main pier and replacement of the crane. Of the €750,000 national development plan funding promised by the then Minister, Deputy Fahey, some years ago, only €93,000 was received and invested in a second-hand crane that must now be replaced.

The strategic importance of Fenit Harbour is often overlooked in a national context. Without it, Liebherr could not operate. It also has major national and regional importance. For example, during the year, 45 m blades for wind turbines were landed there. They could not be shipped through any other port owing to the road network. Fenit is also a sheltered harbour that allows large trawlers and small ships to dock regardless of tidal conditions. There are no lock gates such as in ports including Kilrush and Galway, and trawlers can enter at any time while for the most part they can enter Dingle only at high tide.

Another important consideration is Fenit's proximity to the South Porcupine Bank. It is expected that major exploration for offshore oil will be encouraged soon owing to its high price, and Fenit could provide an ideal base for the oil industry if the Porcupine Bank took off. Recently a major gas find was announced approximately 120 miles off the west Kerry coast. There may be some activity there in the near future, and Fenit would be an ideal base for contract crews and so on. It is also very close to Tralee station and Kerry Airport, meaning that it is ideally located. I do not know whether the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has any responsibility in the area. I cannot impress enough on the Minister the importance of making significant investment in the harbour. I appeal to him to urge his Cabinet colleague to consider carefully and positively the recommendation made by the harbour commissioners for this funding.

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