Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me raise the need for the Minister with responsibility for the marine to explain why moneys are not available this year to progress work on Greencastle Harbour, County Donegal. Work in the harbour has ceased, leaving a potentially dangerous situation. I recognise that as the Minister of State with direct line responsibility, Deputy Killeen has taken a great interest over the years, not only in marine affairs but in Greencastle. I also recognise he is present to answer.

It is almost 14 years since I entered national politics. At that time, the ageing fishing fleet was a significant issue in my by-election. I remember being pulled into a boat by the Opposition Front Bench spokesperson, the then Deputy, Michael Smith. This nearly ended my by-election opportunities because only narrowly did I avoid breaking an arm or leg in the slightly less than ladylike way in which I was dragged into the boat. I am lucky to be here to fight this corner.

My party went into Government the following year and there was a renewal of the whitefish fleet. Greencastle and County Donegal gained significantly from that. It was a thriving port. There were ongoing difficulties in the port at the time and these remained. Work done in an earlier adaption of the harbour had made it dangerous for certain boats to be moored within the harbour. It had created a particular wind that could cause damage to bigger boats. This meant that despite the success of the fleet of the time, some of the bigger boats could not get into Greencastle. There was a move at the time to ensure a new infrastructure or facility was built. The aspiration was great; the cost was in the region of €33 million. Very many negotiations took place with the Minister of State's Department. An overall financial and other evaluation was carried out and the decision was taken to advance the work. Since then there has been a decommissioning of certain boat schemes. There has been other investment and finally there has been an agreement to advance the work.

The first phase was the breakwater. This commenced on the basis that the Department with responsibility for marine resources would fund 75% of the cost and the county council would pay 25%. At the time I was told this would cripple the council and that it was impossible for it to pay. I worked with the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, to find some mechanism to lighten the burden on the council. The Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, saw the change in circumstances regarding marine matters and the manufacturing base in Inishowen and was able to help us by ensuring the council had to pay only 12.5% of the overall cost. He would lift the other 12.5% of the cost of the scheme.

I declare my interest. I do a little bit of rowing, some yachting and a lot of walking along the River Foyle and therefore, directly and indirectly, I see, close up and personal, what goes on. There is a car ferry going in and out of the harbour which is seen as a very busy and active place. Despite the long days spent at sea and the difficulties created thereby for many of our fishermen, I am reliably informed that the fishing co-operatives in the area are maximising their opportunities, are well organised and are very dedicated to their cause.

The bottom line is that a certain amount of activity has taken place already with some €6 million invested in recent years. The breakwater has advanced to a certain level and it is deemed that to stop work now would be extremely dangerous because it is neither high enough nor long enough. I will not go into the technical reasons because I do not have the time. However, there are swirls, tidal and wind issues and the fishermen realise that leaving the work unmanned at this stage could lead to a dangerous situation. It could lead also to a financially difficult situation because the work already carried out might be taken away in a bad storm and money already invested would be wasted.

It has also been brought to my attention that equipment was recently brought into the area. The fishermen are interpreting this to mean that if work stops now, it will not recommence within the next decade. I would find that unacceptable. I do not believe it is in line with what the Minister of State has told me concerning his commitment to the region. The fishermen want answers as to how they can progress this very important resource and piece of infrastructure in our area. As the Minister of State has heard me state on too many occasions, the River Foyle is one of the ways out of our present economic darkness. The Greencastle infrastructure is critical, not only to that but also as a signal of the Government's intention to help us in the north west to help ourselves.

I believe the Minister of State is on our side on this issue. There seem to be conflicting reports as to what might happen to advance matters. I was given the impression by local fishermen and engineers that any sum between €750,000 and €2 million would have been a very important investment this year. I believe the Minister of State may have been given information to the effect that unless much more significant sums of money were invested this year, what was given would be wasted money.

If I had one request for the Minister of State, it would that he sit down with all parties concerned, namely, the county council, the fishing industry, community representatives, me and other public representatives, to seek clarity. At present the feeling is that it is not a matter of the council not having come up with matching funds, rather a matter of the Department having €10 million but none of it is intended for Greencastle.

As far as I am concerned, as a native of the area, I want the innuendo and other difficulties I have mentioned dealt with. I do not want to be seen as in some way not wanting a positive outcome to this project. I want to see that cleared up. Nobody is more interested in my area than I am and that is not me blowing my trumpet. My record stands for itself, particularly with regard to the development of infrastructure for the marine sector. Will the Minister of State meet the relevant parties and clarify what is innuendo and what is fact and let us know what needs to happen to bring this important infrastructure to a happier place than where it is currently?