Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 402: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the expected timeline for the execution of dredging work and the building of a breakwater at Buncrana Harbour; and the number of rescue operations that have been hindered or retarded due to the silt build-up in the harbour over the past two years. [38930/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Buncrana Harbour is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with the local authority in the first instance. The 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. Earlier this year funding of €300,000 was approved to initiate the construction of the breakwater at Buncrana. 75% of this funding will be made available via a grant from the Department while Donegal County Council will provide the remaining 25%. My 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.

Discussions have taken place between my Department and the Council regarding the issue of rental charges in respect of the proposed works. The Council has requested a reduction of the charges in question, as the facility would be used by the RNLI. The Department of Finance has advised that if the proposed works are being done primarily at the behest of the RNLI and are of benefit to no other party, a good case could be made to waive the rental charges on the basis of Sections 2 and 3 of the Foreshore Act. Accordingly, the Department of Finance has agreed to give consideration to a full waiver of the charges if the Council can confirm that the facility is being constructed solely for the use of the RNLI.

In addition, if this confirmation is not possible, the Department of Finance has agreed to consider a pro-rata reduction of the charges on foot of quantification by the Council of the ratio of benefits to the RNLI and to others. The full details were conveyed by my Department to the Council on 25th October 2006. As soon as the information requested is received from the County Council my Department will be in a position to progress the matter as a priority.

Separately, The Council has proposed to carry out maintenance dredging to deal with ongoing siltation in the harbour and an application from the Council for a Dumping at Sea Permit was received by my Department on 23rd October. This application has been circulated to the normal range of necessary consultees for observations. My Department is aware of concerns expressed by the RNLI regarding possible difficulties launching their lifeboat due to siltation in the Harbour. Accordingly, my Department regards the application as urgent and every effort is being made to expedite the consultation process.