Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 547: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in providing a new pier for the fishermen of Cromane, County Kerry due to the fact that this project was first announced 12 years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3482/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Kerry County Council proposes to construct a new pier at Cromane. The proposed pier will be the property of that Local Authority who will be responsible for its development, maintenance and repair.

Under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme my Department has, in previous years, allocated funding to Kerry County Council to progress works at Cromane. This Programme operates on an annual basis and provides funding for approved projects up to an agreed amount or 75% of the total cost in the year, whichever is the lower. Approval for funding in any particular year does not imply any commitment of funding in future years and any funds not drawn down before the end of that calendar year return to the Exchequer.

The following is a summary of the funding my Department approved for the project in recent years:

2004: €150,000

2006: €200,000

2007: €500,000

2008: €750,000

I understand, however, that Kerry County Council has encountered difficulties in acquiring lands required to progress this project and are working to move matters forward.

I would point out however that due to the current budgetary situation, funding can not be provided for Local Authority owned facilities under the 2010 Programme. Funding under the 2010 programme has been allocated to meet contractual commitments and essential safety and maintenance works.

It is hoped that in the future, when the Exchequer situation improves, my Department will be in a position to recommence funding projects for the development and repair of Local Authority owned facilities under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.