John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Doonbeg Pier is owned by Clare County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance.

In 2005 the Department, on behalf of the County Council, undertook a study to examine and report on hydrodynamic conditions at Doonbeg Pier and the effect of various pier and breakwater development options and to outline the estimated costs associated with the various options. The study is now complete and is being examined by the Department's Western Engineering Division at present. A report outlining the best way forward for the development of Doonbeg Pier will be available by end February 2007. In advance of this report being completed the Department intends to meet with Clare County Council and the local pier users as a possible phasing of the various options would have to be considered.

This proposal comes under the Fishery Harbour Development Programme and funding under this measure is provided on a 75% grant aid with a 25% contribution from the Local Authority. The question of providing funding for the proposed development of Doonbeg Pier will be considered in the context of the amount of Exchequer funding available for works at fishery harbours generally and overall national priorities.