andMr. Breslin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the plans his Department have for carrying out harbour improvements at Greencastle harbour, County Donegal.

2.

andMr. Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his Department have any plans for dredging Greencastle harbour, County Donegal.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. Proposals for large scale improvement works, including dredging, at Greencastle Harbour are being considered by my Department. Until a final decision has been taken I cannot say what are the works which will be carried out.

I know the Minister is at a disadvantage as he is answering for the Parliamentary Secretary, but is there any indication as to when work will start on this project?

As the Deputy is aware, an examination was carried out by the survey team and it depends on their estimation of the work. This problem has been long outstanding. Based on the recommendation of the survey team work will commence.

Is the Minister aware this is one of the fastest developing harbours in the area? The fleet has expanded very much in a short time. Local fishermen are of the opinion that dredging could be carried out without major planning or expense. Will he ask his colleague to have this looked into as quickly as possible?

3.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he is aware of the need for a jetty and slip at Wee Lea, Inch Island, County Donegal; and the proposals he has on hands to provide this facility.

No request has been received by my Department for a jetty and slip at Wee Lea, Inch Island and I have no proposals on hands to provide this facility.

The fishermen have been looking for this facility at Wee Lea. They favour that area for anchorage. It is away from the area used by pleasure craft and tourists. We are anxious that these facilities should be made available at Wee Lea, Inch Island.

The difficulty appears to be that there are no manmade landing facilities at Wee Lea. Presumably if there is further information the Department require, the Deputy will arrange to provide it.

4.

asked the Minister ster for Agriculture and Fisheries when it is proposed to complete repairs to the pier on Inch Island, County Donegal.

My Department are not involved in any repairs to the pier on Inch Island.