Averil Power (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State's confirmation that Howth stands up as a project and that dredging is needed. As I said, there is evidence to support that. The Minister of State said that the 2016 programme is still being considered, therefore, it has not yet been finalised, so there is still time for Howth to be included in it. That is essential and consideration of it should not be deferred until the investigation is complete. As the Minister of State said, the case for dredging is already clear.

With regard to the scope of the works and what exactly needs to be carried out, the investigation will be helpful in determining that but we all know that Howth Harbour needs to be dredged. I can give the Minister of State visual evidence of trawlers that have run aground in the harbour. I have photographs of such trawlers. It is very clear that the work needs to be done. The key issue is to get a commitment to get the work started as soon as possible because things are getting worse all the time.

From the perspective of the yacht club, some major international sailing events have been held in Howth in recent years, including Etchells sailing competition which is a major international prestigious competition. As matters stand, the yacht club is concerned about pitching for future events to be held in two, three, four or five years' time until there is a commitment in place that the harbour will be dredged because it does not know if it will able to deliver on hosting such events. Leisure boats are constantly running aground, especially when manned by people who are not familiar with the area. It is very important that a commitment is given now. I urge the Minister of State to talk to his officials and make sure that Howth is given serious consideration for the 2016 programme and that this is progressed as soon as possible.