Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1201. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of dredging Howth harbour, County Dublin in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35957/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department owns, operates and manages six designated Fishery Harbours Centres under Statute, one of which is Howth Fishery Harbour Centre.

A number of investigative and preparatory works and initiatives have been undertaken in respect of a potential dredging project in Howth Fishery Harbour Centre.

Most recently, in June 2016, a firm of consulting engineers were engaged to prepare a detailed report on options, including the scope, disposal considerations and permitting requirements for dredging project at Howth.

An initial draft of this report was received by my Department in February 2017 and the final draft report was received on 14 March last. This report is currently being reviewed by my Department's Marine Engineering Division.

A variety of factors will impact on the cost of a potential dredging project including the disposal options, overall scale of the project, and market factors. At this point no overall estimation of cost has been established.

As is the case for all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, any future decision with regard to progressing this project further, will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing national priorities.