Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 371: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had a request or application for funding for the development or restoration of Greystones Harbour, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31869/06]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the input or interest he has in the restoration or development of Greystones Harbour, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31870/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 371 and 372 together.

Greystones Harbour is owned by Wicklow County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with the local authority in the first instance.

In 2004, under the Department's Coast Protection Programme, funding of €52,500 was provided to Wicklow County Council towards the Coastal Protection Site Investigation works at Greystones costing a total of €70,000. Wicklow County Council did not submit any further applications for funding to the Department for the current development project at Greystones Harbour.

Wicklow County Council applied to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) for planning permission for the Greystones Harbour and North Beach project. In accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000, due to the nature of the proposal and as the proponent is a Local Authority, An Bord Pleanála is the deciding authority for the foreshore element of the proposal as well as the land based planning permission consent. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources acts as a consultee to An Bord Pleanála in such cases.

An Bord Pleanála invited the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to make a submission on the proposed work. This submission was forwarded on 16 March 2006.