Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 396: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether it is necessary to complete the Greencastle Harbour project, County Donegal, on time, in view of the fact that the partially built breakwater has altered the currents around the harbour area to a dangerous level; his further views on whether the extension of the deadline for completion of construction would endanger vessels approaching and leaving the harbour, including the hourly Greencastle-Magilligan passenger ferry, and that the completion of the breakwater will eliminate this danger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45032/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Breakwater is part of a phased approach to the development of improved harbour facilities at Greencastle, Co. Donegal, which is currently under construction. The extent of the breakwater as currently constructed extends from the shore 125 metres of its planned construction length of 290 metres. The primary function of the breakwater is to shelter the new harbour area and the existing harbour entry from tidal currents and wave attack.

Marine notices have been issued warning seafarers of the construction works at Greencastle, and a further notice was posted in consultation with the Harbour Master asking harbour users to exercise particular caution in relation to changed tidal currents outside the harbour due to the new breakwater under construction. It is incumbent on all vessel owners including the ferry operator to heed these notices and to operate their craft in the vicinity of the partially constructed works and on entering and leaving the harbour in a safe manner. In the context of the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, funding of the development at Greencastle going forward has to be apportioned in the context of the other development projects currently under construction and other prioritised projects coming on stream requiring funding under the programme.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 397: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if money as envisaged for 2009 will be made available by his Department for the ongoing work at Greencastle pier; if he will communicate with Donegal County Council and CLÁR to ascertain if these bodies can provide their 12.5% portions of funding as envisaged; if he will report on these communications; his views on whether a reduction in funding for 2009 would undermine the work that has already been carried out at Greencastle Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45033/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Greencastle Pier is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for its repair, maintenance and development rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. The current development works at Greencastle are however being project managed by my Department's Engineering Division. The Fishery Harbours & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2009 is currently being drafted and no decision has yet been made with regard to the allocation of funding for any individual project. All funding requests will be looked at in the context of available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward.

My Department will in due course be in contact with both Donegal County Council and CLÁR with regard to the co-funding element of the project. Finally, as no decision has yet been made with regard to the extent of individual projects for inclusion in the 2009 Fishery Harbours & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, I am unable to comment on the implications if any, of a reduction in funding.