Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status for the proposed harbour development at Dunmore East; the funding being provided for the commencement of the construction (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38204/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Following a lengthy public consultation process in 2004 on development options for Dunmore East Harbour, a planning application for a harbour development, together with an environmental impact statement, were prepared and submitted to Waterford County Council. Planning permission for the development of the Fishery Harbour Centre was received in late 2005.

The cost of providing the new harbour facility is estimated at between €50 and €60 million depending on final scheme selection and tendering. In 2006, €300,000 is provided for further design and €300,000 for site investigation to progress the development. The project is currently at detailed design stage. The final Phase 3 marine site investigation commenced in July this year and is approximately 50% complete to date. The remainder of the site investigation will be completed during Spring/Summer 2007. A contract has been awarded for hydrographic survey work, which is likely to be completed by the end of 2006, subject to weather. Tender documents are currently being prepared for a Cost Benefit Analysis.

A decision on funding of this project will be made in due course in accordance with the guidelines for Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector, taking into account the amount of funding made available for fishery harbours, with particular reference to the National Development Plan 2007–2013 and overall national priorities.