Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

The people of Union Hall, Glandore and surrounding areas are rightly frustrated with the progress on promised improvements to their local pier. These promises are going on for years, and in that time, they have had visits from the Taoiseach and the former Minister for agriculture and the marine, looking at what needs to be done and raising the hopes of local fishermen and the tourism sector that funding would be given, but nothing has followed. The local authority has said there are three phases to the works that need to be done: first, refurbishment of the old pier; second, development of an additional 150 m of quay space for commercial fishing; and third, dredging of the channel for access to the pier facility. Councillor Daniel Sexton and myself attended a public meeting last Monday night, and I heard the same as I have heard year in and year out. The council is blaming the Department as its seeks clarity, and the Department blaming the council. Those who attended were rightly furious. I promised the people present that I would raise this issue with the Tánaiste. Will he speak with the relevant Minister to meet immediately with council officials to cut out the confusion to pave the way for funds to be delivered on these hugely Keelbeg pier works in Union Hall?

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