Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 113: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the increase in harbour fees was willingly accepted by the local fishermen based on promises made of improvements to the facilities, that those improvements have not been made and the existing facilities are inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36289/08]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 114: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to or if he will examine the plans for the development of Arklow Harbour; if he will direct the Arklow Harbour Board to ensure that the proper facilities for continued use of the harbour by fishermen are provided for as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36293/08]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 118: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the agreement regarding the increase in fees at Arklow Harbour; the reason for the differences in fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36297/08]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 114 and 118 together.

Policy in relation to the regional harbours such as Arklow, as published in the Ports Policy Statement in 2005, is that their continued operation under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act, 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance.

The Policy Statement reiterated the view that most of these harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership. The Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to advance the implementation of this aspect of the Ports Policy Statement.

For over three years now, my Department has been funding essential works to protect the fabric of the regional harbours, including Arklow, at an average cost of approximately €4m per annum in total pending the transfer of the harbours to local control. This Department is considering with the Arklow Harbour Commissioners the current position regarding harbour rates.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 115: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will examine the plans for the disposal of the material dredged from Arklow Harbour to ensure that it is disposed of safely and appropriately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36294/08]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 116: To ask the Minister for Transport if financing will be made available to the Arklow Harbour Board to proceed with the overdue dredging of Arklow Harbour, which is in an unsafe condition; when it will be possible to obtain a licence in order that dredging on the harbour can begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36295/08]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 117: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing damage being incurred by fishermen in Arklow Harbour due to the shallowness of the harbour and the inadequate facilities; if he will ensure that these issues will be addressed before the onset of winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36296/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 to 117, inclusive, together.

Dredging of Arklow Harbour is a matter in the first instance for Arklow Harbour Commissioners. The issue of a licence for dredging is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who may grant such licences under the Foreshore Acts.

For over three years now, my Department has been funding essential works to protect the fabric of the regional harbours, including Arklow, at an average cost of approximately €4m per annum in total pending the transfer of the harbours to local control.