Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right to highlight the strengths and assets of Kenmare. He has been very clear about the need for funding for Kenmare pier. Local authorities have primary responsibility for the maintenance and development of the piers, harbours and slipways they own. As the Deputy knows, as part of the annual fishery harbour centre and coastal infrastructure development programme, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides funding to assist coastal local authorities in carrying out small-scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership.

In March this year, the Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries and the marine, Deputy Dooley, and the Minister, Deputy Heydon, announced approximately €4.3 million in funding for the 2025 local authority marine infrastructure scheme. The closing date for submissions was 4 April. The Department understands that Kerry County Council - this is my understanding anyway - did not submit an application for funding for Kenmare pier to be considered in this year's scheme. On 21 May, the Minister of State announced the allocation of funding of €4.33 million for 57 local authority projects across 11 coastal local authorities. All five Kerry County Council projects submitted under the scheme were approved. Nearly €94,000 was allocated for Kenmare Bay to upgrade eight navigation aids and six mooring anchoring points for visiting boats. In addition, nearly €85,000 was allocated for the installation of a pier-lifting crane to help load and unload equipment and catches at Kilmakilloge. If a pier is a protected structure, the Department of housing's built heritage investment scheme and historic structures fund can provide support for the repair and conservation of historic elements.

These schemes are closed for 2025. I will talk to the Minister to see if anything additional can be done or if we can ensure that, in the context of future applications and working with Kerry County Council, we can get the work done. There is a strong rowing club in Kenmare. I am very familiar with that. It is a major tourist town and people love it. I appreciate the Deputy raising the issue.

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