Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that all the conditions have been complied with to allow works to start on the construction of a breakwater at Buncrana harbour as was approved at the end of January 2006; if he is further satisfied that all the necessary lease and foreshore licences are in place with regard to the development; the timetable for the works; and the reason for them being commissioned. [13747/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Buncrana harbour is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with the local authority in the first instance. Donegal County Council submitted an application to the Department for funding to construct a breakwater to prevent siltation at the ferry slipway and a proposed boat harbour south of the existing pier. The proposed development would include an RNLI berth with 24-hour unrestricted tidal access in the boat harbour. The estimated total cost of the project is €1.65 million. In 2006 funding of €300,000 was approved to initiate the construction of the breakwater at Buncrana. Some 75% of this funding will be made available via a grant from the Department while Donegal County Council will provide the remaining 25%.

The Department gave approval in March 2004, subject to the resolution of an issue over rental charges, for a foreshore lease to allow construction of a marina and associated works at Buncrana and a foreshore licence to allow dredging to take place. The finalisation of the lease and licence has been delayed, as the rental issue has not yet been resolved. Donegal County Council has been contacted about this matter.