Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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No doubt the Deputy is aware of the Brexit Adjustment: Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023. The BALAMI Scheme gives effect to one of the recommendations of the Seafood Sector Taskforce which I established to identify how to address the impacts of Brexit on the seafood sector. This scheme is proposed to be funded in the main from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.

The Scheme assists the development of the marine economy in coastal communities by aiming to give immediate construction stimulus to those coastal communities affected by Brexit. Each of the projects will be delivered by the local authority which owns and maintains the relevant marine infrastructure. The focus of the scheme is on supporting actual capital works and it is a matter for each local authority to progress any preparatory studies, permitting and design works.

Cork County Council has secured a scheme contribution of €6.032m for the funding of 20 projects. In total the Scheme has approved 164 project for funding of up to €55.3m. Cork County Council had applied for funding for Keelbeg Pier under the Scheme but the proposed project did not meet the Scheme criteria and so was ineligible.

Prior to the BALAMI Scheme, my Department provided funding to assist in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of local authority owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Over 2020 and 2021, Cork County Council received funding of €183,000 for various safety improvement works at Keelbeg Pier. The Brexit Adjustment Reserve funding to support the BALAMI Scheme is unprecedented. Any future supports that may be made available to support local authority capital investment in piers and harbours will have to consider the available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.

Responsibility for the development and maintenance of local authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each local authority in the first instance. I am also mindful that the primary governance role for local authorities rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and any wider funding issues for local authorities should be addressed to that Minister.