Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy, and I hear his frustration on behalf of his constituents. My understanding is that in April 2024 a delegation of Cork County Council officials and representatives from the Union Hall Save Our Pier Committee had a meeting with the then Minister and the assistant secretary general for the seafood and marine division in the Department headquarters in Agriculture House. At the meeting the council outlined that the development plan for Keelbeg pier consisted of three phases - the refurbishment of the old pier, the extension of the new pier and the dredging of Glengarriff harbour. My understanding is that the council was reminded of its own responsibilities to step projects forward to make them ready for delivery and that any costs associated with studies, design and consenting must be borne by the council. My understanding is the council was advised to apply to the Department once the relevant consents were in place and I will seek a further update on that. I will send the Deputy a note on the next steps. There is quite a bit of detail, but I am happy to engage with the Deputy directly on this to see if we can make progress.

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