asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the concern being expressed by major industrial firms in Arklow, County Wicklow at the grave implications for them of the deterioration of the wharfs at the quays there; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

13.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the dangers to existing jobs and to the creation of new jobs in Arklow, County Wicklow, due to the very severe deterioration of the quay wharfs there; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

14.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the serious condition of the north quay wharfs at Arklow port; and when he will make a grant available to Arklow Harbour Board to carry out urgent repairs.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 13 and 14 together.

I have received reports from the Arklow Harbour Commissioners and from users of the port of Arklow that the condition of the north quay wharves there is deteriorating. I understand that this deterioration is due to the washing away of material from behind the wharves.

These wharves were originally built with the aid of a State grant. The responsibility for maintaining and protecting the wharves rests on the harbour commissioners and it is a matter for them to finance this work from their own resources. A state grant could not be made available for this or for any other harbour maintenance work which is a statutory duty of all scheduled harbour authorities such as Arklow Harbour Commissioners.

The commissioners have just completed a major harbour improvements scheme financed with a State grant of £548,000 and a State loan of £60,000. I am advised that the harbour commissioners should take immediate remedial action to alleviate the position and prevent further damage.

Surely the Minister will have to take further action if the harbour commissioners do not have the resources to protect the port and to do the necessary improvement work?

It is a matter for the harbour commissioners to protect not alone their own investment in the harbour but the State's investment in it.

Would the Minister tell the harbour commissioners where they might get the required £87,000?

I am not sure if that is the amount necessary, but the commissioners have a surplus in their funds at the moment.

Has the Minister any proposals to build an outer mole which will protect this harbour?

I do not have any such proposal.

Is the Minister aware of the potential dangers to this port over the years?

I am not.

Is he aware of the dangers to these jetties which will be the result of storms at sea?

I am aware of the dangers to these jetties if the harbour commissioners fail to do their duty and maintain the wharves in a proper condition.

Is the Minister aware that since the harbour was deepened to approximately 12 feet it is possible for the waves to come into the jetties? This is where the difficulty arises. The Minister must take cognisance of the fact that it is only when an outer mole or a breakwater is erected that these jetties will be protected. If remedial work is continuously carried out, will that be sufficient to protect this harbour?

No, that is not so. The grant provided by the State was for the improvement of the harbour at Arklow. It is the commissioners' duty, and it is one of their obligations and one of the reasons they collect dues, to see that the investment provided by the State is protected and the wharves are maintained in a proper condition for shipping.

Does the Minister feel that the harbour commissioners will be able to do this without any extra help from his Department?

I am not allowed to give them help. I can give no help to any harbour authority for maintenance. It is the duty of commissioners to see that their revenue is sufficient and that their wharves are maintained in a proper condition.