asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the reason for the delay in improving the landing facilities for fishermen, including the extension of the pier, at Garnish near Castletownbere, County Cork.

My Department received the engineering report from the Office of Public Works about this landing place on 29th March, 1976. This report is being examined in my Department.

Is the Parlimentary Secretary aware that in spite of the fact that I raised questions about this pier on numerous occasions it is still in a condition which is not conducive to the promotion of the fishing industry? The pier is dangerous. Will the Parliamentary Secretary tell the House the reason for the long delay on the part of his Department in examining the report from the Office of Public Works?

There has not been a long delay. We got the report at the end of March and the fishermen, or their representatives, must be consulted again. We are spending a sizeable amount of money in the Berehaven area this year. When the Castletownbere project is completed we will have more money to move around to other areas.

Is the Parlimentary Secretary aware that in stormy weather, because of the dangerous condition of the pier, it is impossible for fishermen to make any landings? When were the fishermen of Garnish last consulted in relation to the report which was received by his Department last March?

I know Garnish very well and I am anxious that repairs are carried out to this pier to help the fishermen. That is receiving my active attention.

When were the fishermen consulted last?

I said that it may be necessary to consult the fishermen.

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