Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 657: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the small crane in Dunmore East FHC, County Waterford (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12134/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The small crane which is located at the landing berth in Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre was purchased, installed and calibrated in November 2003. The management of the crane was handed over, under licence, to Dunmore East Fisherman's Co-op Society Ltd. in April 2007. The terms of the licence set out the areas of responsibility that fell to the Co-op and those that remained with my Department.

A number of Issues have subsequently arisen with regard to the use of the crane, including its use by individuals who are not members of the Co-op. My Department has recently been in correspondence with Dunmore East Fisherman's Co-op Society Ltd. to indicate that it is prepared to issue a new licence with a clause inserted to accommodate use of the crane, for its intended purpose, by other harbour users. Alternatively, my Department is prepared to assume full control of the crane. A response from Dunmore East Fisherman's Co-op Society Ltd. is awaited.