Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 535: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when work will begin on the extension of the pier at Brandon, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15373/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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In 1999-2000 Kerry County Council, funded by my Department, commissioned a study of four strategic Gaeltacht piers at Baile na nGall, Baile an Sceilg, Bun a Bhaile and Brandon to ascertain what improvements would be achievable with an input of £1 million, €1.27 million, at each pier. Following this study, design development was authorised for each pier in question.

In November 2000 Malachy Walsh and Partners were commissioned to carry out design development for the pier at Brandon. Their report indicated that the funding requirement to carry out appropriate work at Brandon was outside the funding available under my Department's scheme. As agreed by Kerry County Council and my Department, piers were then prioritised for construction works with Baile na nGall first, followed by the two Uíbh Ráthach piers namely, Baile an Sceilg and Bun a Bhaile. Construction works at Baile na nGall and Baile an Sceilg have been completed and Bun a Bhaile will be completed shortly.

No further works have been carried out on the design development at Brandon but I understand from Kerry County Council that a recent underwater survey has indicated that there is now significant underwater damage to the pier and rehabilitation works will be required. These works are being costed by the Council and a proposal will be put to my Department for the works once that process has been finalised.