James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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180. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the resources his Department dedicates to the removal of old boats; the powers local authorities possess in compelling the removal of old boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49707/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department has responsibility under the Fishery Harbours Centre Act, 1968 (as amended) for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, An Daingean, Ros an Mhíl and Killybegs. The Fishery Harbour Centres (Management, Control, Operation and Development) Bye-Laws 1979 give the Harbour Master powers to remove wrecked or derelict vessels from the confines of these six Fishery Harbour Centres. This is a rare occurrence and monies are made available when necessary on a case by case basis.

The Receiver of wrecks, who is a Revenue Official appointed by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, also has a role in respect of any wrecks found in or on the shores of the sea or any tidal water or harbour.

The Deputy will be aware that there is other State owned harbour infrastructure around the coast that does not fall within the remit of my Department. I would therefore suggest that the Deputy contact the relevant public body with responsibility for these, including the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in respect of State port companies and the Department of the Housing, Planning and Local Government in respect of ports or harbours managed by local authorities.