Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

546. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of the €180 million allocation for the fishery harbour centres; the major development projects to be initiated in 2019; the date in 2019 these projects are scheduled to commence; if this will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he has been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6785/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.

I am happy to advise the Deputy that between the years 2010 to 2018, as part of my Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, in excess of €96 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at the six fishery harbour centres. Over the same period, almost €28m has also been made available to assist coastal Local Authorities in the maintenance, repair and development of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership

On the 27th of January 2019 I announced a €35.7m capital investment package under the 2019 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme in our six Fishery Harbour Centres and other fisheries related marine infrastructure. Of this €35.7m package, €21.9million is in respect of contractually committed projects and other non-discretionary capital spending. The continuation of the Dinish quay extension, Castletownbere, the commencement of the Smooth Point extension phase 2, Killybegs, and the Middle Pier berthing face project, Howth are the flagship projects for 2019 capital programme.

Looking to the delivery of the Fishery Harbour element of Project Ireland 2040, a number of high profile projects are either under consideration, or are already underway. These include the continuation of the Dinish Island quay extension project in Castletownbere in 2019 and 2020, the commencement of the Smooth Point, Killybegs and Middle Pier, Howth pier extension projects also to run over 2019 and 2020. Other projects being considered include the dredging of Howth Harbour and the upgrade of the East Pier in Howth, a possible breakwater project in Dunmore East, a slipway development, boatyard upgrade and remedial works to the mainland quay in Castletownbere, a new slipway and quay development works in Ros An Mhíl, the East Harbour quay wall development in Dingle and remedial works to Blackrock Pier & landing pier fendering in Killybegs. In addition consideration is also being given to upgrading existing vessel lifting equipment and associated machinery at a number of our Fishery Harbour Centres.

As with all future projects, they will only be progressed having consideration to available funding and National Priorities, in addition to appropriate permitting being in place.

My Department's Capital budget for 2019 has not been reduced as a result of the Children's Hospital Project.