James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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126. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a proposal (details supplied) concerning retired fishermen which was submitted to his Department previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33208/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Fishery Harbour Centre which is the subject of the proposal is, first and foremost, a working fishery harbour, and is one of six Fishery Harbour Centres owned, operated, developed and maintained by my Department under statute.

It is also home to various marine-related industrial, tourism and leisure businesses. The multi-faceted businesses operate in a very confined space, which presents ongoing challenges for the operational team in my Department who endeavour to co-ordinate the flow of people and goods through the harbour and to keep all harbour users safe.

The Deputy may also be aware that my Department only owns a small footprint in this location and, as such, any development works must be in line with the operational needs and requirements of the working harbour.

For these reasons, the proposal for the development of a specific berthing area for the exclusive use by retired fishermen to engage in recreational fishing and boating is not possible. The second element of your proposal, for the provision of reduced fees for retired fishermen, is not compatible with the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates and Charges) Order 2012, which is the legal Statutory Instrument that outlines the rates and charges that apply to all Fishery Harbour Centres.

The Harbour Master and their staff are best placed to advise all harbour users, including retired fishermen, in relation to the harbour services and facilities that can be availed of.