Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for this question. I know that he is interested in Howth Harbour. Howth fishery harbour centre is one of the six designated fishery harbour centres owned, managed and maintained by my Department.  All six fishery centres are, first and foremost, working fishery harbours. However, each centre has unique features, facilitating a broad range of other diverse activities which are important from both an economic and social perspective.  This is particularly the case in Howth Harbour which offers multiple uses. My Department is conscious of the importance of both fishing and non-fishing activities at the harbours and endeavours to facilitate and develop both.  This involves day-to-day operational support by harbour staff and management and the development and repair of infrastructure, subject to available financial resources.

Howth fishery harbour centre is no exception to this diversity. While, first and foremost, a working fishery harbour, my Department is conscious that it is also a very important tourist destination and a major venue for leisure activities. A wide range of recreational users rely on the harbour, including the yacht club, sport fishermen, walkers, tourists and other social users. A significant number of businesses, particularly restaurants, also operate in the harbour.  With this in mind, the Department is anxious to increase the profile of the harbour for the betterment of the wider community.

Notwithstanding the prevailing economic environment in which we operate, I am happy to advise the House that in excess of €3.2 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth Harbour as part of my Department's fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure development programme for 2011 to 2013. This investment has resulted in a significant improvement in the electrical infrastructure available, the traffic management system and the access available to persons of reduced mobility. It has also served as a catalyst for the enhancement of facilities available to the marine leisure and tourism sector, boat repair facilities and indeed business generally in the harbour. In March 2014, I approved funding of €1.18 million for the maintenance and development of Howth Harbour.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Major works for 2014 included the continued upgrading of the electrical system.

The fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure development programme for 2015 is currently under consideration. Decisions on the projects for inclusion under this programme will be based on an evaluation of the priorities across the six fishery harbour centres taking due account of the overall funds available. Balancing the needs of the fishing industry with those of the wider range of harbour users while delivering on a public service remit will be foremost when considering future developments in the harbour. Of course, any new developments will be done on the basis of available Exchequer funding and competing national priorities.

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