Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

82. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the works which took place at the Seanchéibh quay, in An Spidéal, Contae na Gaillimhe, early this year; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that approximately 24 inches of sand was dredged from the quay; if a foreshore licence was required for such work; if one was sought and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20994/15]

Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

83. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the works which took place at the Seanchéibh quay, in An Spidéal, Contae na Gaillimhe, early this year; that the works involved the construction of a concrete block pier extension; if his Department or agencies within his remit have concerns as to the heritage, aesthetic or visual impact of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20995/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.

My Department does not have responsibility for the quay at Seanchéibh, which is owned by Galway County Council. The responsibility for its development, repair and maintenance rests with that Local Authority.

My Department does, however provide funding for the small scale development and repair of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities. When funding is made available it is done so on the basis of the project specifications set out by the local authority who are wholly responsible for the design of the works. The design and works, including ancillary works, are carried out by the local authority themselves. In addition the Local Authority itself is fully responsible for ensuring that permits relating to the project, including planning permission, foreshore licence etc. are in place, as appropriate.

No funding has been made to Galway County Council in 2015 for works at the Seanchéibh quay, in Spiddal.

I would therefore direct the deputy to contact the Local Authority in the first instance with regard to this matter. It can also be pursued further with the Local Authorities’ parent Department, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.