Written answers
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food
Harbour Charges
5:00 pm
Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Question 146: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a system in Dingle Harbour, County Kerry, whereby boat owners using water from the harbour will be metered rather than the standard charge.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24770/12]
Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Charges for the use of facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres are currently levied by virtue of the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates & Charges) Order 2003. Under the current Rates & Charges Order a monthly charge is paid by all fishing vessels where no water metering system is available, and €2.50 per m3 is charged for metered water.
My Department is evaluating the installation of a water metering system into every Fishery Harbour Centre; however this will be subject to current funding constraints. My Department has recently conducted a review of the 2003 Rate and Charges Order and a draft new Order, the first proposed change to the fee schedule for almost a decade, has been prepared on foot of that review. The new draft Order was the subject of a public consultation process that closed on 20th April last, and I am pleased to note that my Department has received a total of 87 submissions in relation to the revised charges, from a wide range of stakeholders in the Fishery Harbour Centres. These submissions, some of which address the water charges issue, are being given careful consideration at present, and when the examination is complete I will, if necessary, make any appropriate amendments.
No comments