Mark Duffy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A matter of concern to many of my constituents in County Mayo is the state of disrepair of the piers and waterways on the Mayo coastline. On Kilcummin pier, there are proposed clearance works. Small fishing boats are unable to dock at the pier because of the storm debris and rocks that need to be cleared. The slipway is in a treacherous state and it is the same for other slipways in the north Mayo area, including those in Ballycastle, Killala, Ballina and Lacken pier. It is really important for fishing industries in these communities, but also for the amenity groups that enjoy our beautiful coastline, that there be safe and usable infrastructure with slipways and piers. There is an ongoing issue with Lacken pier where erosion damage has persisted for some years without repair. I have called on Mayo County Council to initiate an application for funding to repair the pier. We need to work with both the junior and senior Ministers with responsibility for the marine to ensure we have ongoing maintenance. It should not have to be raised to the level of the Seanad or national level for ongoing maintenance plans to be in place. There should be a standardised approach and ongoing support for local authorities to carry out this work on our piers and waterways across County Mayo. I would like this to be raised with the Minister and to have a broader discussion to ensure that we have an ongoing maintenance plan for the safety and usability of piers along our coastline.