asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what are the present proposals for developing the fishing industry at Howth, Dublin; to what extent plans for alteration of the harbour have been prepared; and if he will give an estimate of the approximate date work is due to commence.

The fishing industry at Howth will, as at other centres, benefit from the general programme of sea fishing development which I propose to outline when the Fisheries Estimate for the current financial year comes before the House. As has already been announced, Howth is also one of the five centres selected for development as a major fishery harbour. All the preparatory investigations and preparation of plans for the necessary harbour works have been completed but I cannot yet say when work on the project may be commenced.