Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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399. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to erect signs along Howth Harbour in County Dublin informing persons that consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34559/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, owns and directly manages six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Ros an Mhíl, Killybegs and An Daingean.

Departmental signage, addressing Health & Safety matters primarily, is present at each of the Centres, including Howth.

Anti social behaviour in areas such as Howth harbour tends to become more prevalent during the summer period and in this regard I can inform the Deputy that a special Garda operation (Operation Irene) was put in place for the period 1 June to 30 August this year. This operation targeted anti-social behaviour including the consumption of alcohol in public places in Howth.

The Deputy will be aware that signage in the Howth area, outside the precincts of the Fishery Harbour Centre, is primarily a matter for Fingal County Council.

While there are currently no plans to erect signs informing persons that consumption of alcohol is prohibited within the confines of Howth Fishery Harbour Centre, all matters relating to Departmental signage are kept under ongoing review.

My Department’s officials and in particular Harbour management at Howth continue to liaise closely with An Garda Síochána, Fingal County Council and other key stakeholders regarding all matters relating to anti social behaviour and the prevention of crime generally.