Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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683. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of works for the smooth pier development (details supplied) at Killybegs Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3052/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Ros An Mhíl and Killybegs under statute.

In recognition of increasing levels of fishing, commercial cargo and cruise liner activity in Killybegs a project to provide an additional 120 metres of berthing space at Smooth Point was initiated. Phase 1 of the project, which entailed the dredging and removal of most of the contaminated material, commenced in 2017 and was completed in 2018.

Phase 2 of the project involves the dredging of the remaining uncontaminated material and construction of the 120 metres of berthing. Following a competitive tender process the successful contractor commenced on site in late 2019 but experienced some difficulties and delays including those associated with the recent pandemic. A number of contractor's claims for additional costs associated with the construction contract were submitted to the Department in 2021 but all have been resolved under the procedures laid down in the Public Works Contract and the contractor has been paid in full. The Department understands that there are a number of financial disputes between the contractor and its supply-chain and while it would hope that the parties involved could amicably resolve these, the disputes remain a matter between the contractor and the suppliers involved.

The Department acknowledges that the contractor has not carried out any work on the site for several months and is currently taking legal advice on the best way to advance the project.