Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Government's views and estimates of the capital development programme for fisheries harbours here to the end of 2007 and during the next National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20651/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The funding available to the Department under the Port Infrastructure Improvement Programme of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 is directed at projects that improve infrastructure and facilities (including ice plants, landing and storage facilities) at key strategic fishery harbours and the construction and improvement of berthage and related facilities at smaller harbours and landing places, with a key role in maintaining jobs in fishing, aquaculture and ancillary activities.

Funding of €22.5 million is available for the Fishery Harbours Development Programme in 2006, of which approximately €2 million is being assigned to the programme for funding of small fishery harbours. A number of projects under the Fishery Harbours Development Programme are at various stages of development. This year the extension to the pier at Clogherhead, Co Louth will be completed at a total estimated cost of €11 million. The development at Castletownbere will be partially completed by 2006 and €12 million has been allocated this year. Funding will be required post 2006 to complete this development. Funding of smaller pier improvement projects that are currently being partially funded by the Department within the overall programme will be required post 2006.

Development works will continue to be required to improve fishery harbour infrastructure and increase safety for the fishing sector. The safety issue is still a priority at the major state owned fishing centre. The financial envelope including funding requirements for the Fishery Harbours Measure under the NDP 2007 to 2013 is currently being formulated. A list of projects approved under the Fishery Harbours Development Programme for 2006 is shown in the table.