asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has any plans for the repair and improvement of Dungarvan Harbour, County Waterford.

No. Responsibility for the upkeep of Dungarvan Harbour rests with Dungarvan Urban District Council who are the harbour authority for Dungarvan.

Will any special funds be available to Dungarvan Urban District Council if they undertake this work?

No. Generally, the policy of the Government—not just this Government but every Government—is that improvements to harbours should be undertaken by the local harbour boards, in this case the Dungarvan Urban District Council, and should be paid for out of the fees they receive for the use of the harbour. I think Dungarvan got help towards reinforcing the quay walls.

Is the Minister aware that the main problem in Dungarvan is the danger of the roadway being eroded and the face of the quay wall collapsing? Surely the Government will not wait until the whole roadway is eaten away before money is made available?

Of course, the Dungarvan Harbour Commissioners and Dungarvan Urban District Council are the one body. The Dungarvan Urban District Council would have responsibility for the roadway. They should, either through the rates, or through Waterford County Council, or by application to the Department of Local Government, obtain funds for this work. I do not know that this is the problem but if the roadway is in danger of collapse they should bring the matter to the attention of the local authority.

Did the Minister say that Dungarvan Urban District. Council got some money?

Yes. I am sorry. I thought it was much more recent. In fact it was 20 years ago.

Is that not a precedent?

It was for experimental dredging. It had nothing to do with the matter to which the Deputy is referring.

I would like to impress on the Minister the importance of having some work done here. It is now a matter of urgency and I would like to ask him to ensure it will not deteriorate until there is a complete collapse here.

Of course, if it is a roadway job the Deputy will appreciate that this is a matter for the urban district council and the county council. It is not a job for the harbour section of my Department.