Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to dredge the harbour and enhance the port facilities at Howth, County Dublin in view of the build-up of mud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20197/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Funding for capital works at my Departments six Fishery Harbour Centres is provided on an annual basis under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. In 2011, €1,195,000 has been allocated to Howth Fishery Harbour Centre under the Programme. The following is a summary of the monies allocated:

No funding has been allocated for the dredging of the harbour in the 2011 Programme. All decisions with regard to funding projects for future years will be dependent on the availability of exchequer funding and overall national priorities.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for investment in the harbour and marine tourist facilities at Howth, County Dublin; if he will report on the works in progress at the middle pier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20198/11]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to enhance and improve ship and boat repair facilities at Howth Port, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20199/11]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to enhance and support small business and marine tourism related facilities at Howth Port and to redevelop local employment in these activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20201/11]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to promote maximum usage and small business development at the Port of Howth, County Dublin; if he has met Irish Rail and Dublin Bus in relation to these objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20202/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 166, 168 and 169 together.

Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of six Fishery Harbour Centres (FHC) for which my Department is responsible. I am conscious of the unique and valuable contribution Howth FHC has to make both to the fishing industry and the wider economic environment. Notwithstanding the prevailing economic environment in which we operate, I am happy to be able to advise that I have allocated almost €1.2 million towards maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth FHC as part of my Departments Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. This investment will result in a significant improvement of the parking facilities, the access available to persons of reduced mobility and the electrical infrastructure available. It will in addition serve to act as a catalyst for the enhancement of facilities available to the marine tourism industry, boat repair facilities and indeed business generally in the harbour.

I can also confirm that my Department continues to facilitate a considerable amount of business development in the harbour area. As part of the support process my officials facilitate a Harbour Users Forum at the harbour which affords the various stakeholders an opportunity to discuss their own views and hear at first hand the views of my Departments officials. I have not met with officials of Irish Rail and Dublin Bus in relation to Howth FHC.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to address the issue of decommissioned vessels at Howth Port, County Dublin occupying important port space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20200/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The removal of decommissioned vessels from Howth Fishery Harbour Centres is an ongoing process and is constantly monitored by my Department. The owners of such vessels have been requested by the Harbour Master to remove them from the harbour. The Harbour Master is currently in the process of arranging for the removal and disposal of vessels where the co-operation of the owner has not been forthcoming.