Rathmullan mooring buoys
The Minister said the pier is managed by Donegal County Council and that no buoy proposals had been submitted to the Commissioners of Public Works; he would consider a council proposal. Deputies stressed the fishing activity and sought a prompt decision, also urging further pier development, while the Minister said the Department had no proposals concerning the pier.
asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has any plans to erect mooring buoys at Rathmullan, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
There are no proposals before the Commissioners of Public Works to provide mooring buoys at Rathmullan. The pier at Rathmullan is in the charge of the Donegal County Council.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that there are very extensive activities going on in Lough Swilly in relation to the large quantity of mackerel being fished there and that approximately 30 ships which are there now, are finding great difficulty due to the lack of mooring buoys at Rathmullan? Would the Minister not agree that the placing of mooring buoys at Rathmullan Pier is very essential if this fishing, which is in progress for the last two months and was there last year, is to continue?
Comment on this
Rathmullan Pier is managed and maintained by Donegal County Council. The Commissioners of Public Works have received no proposals to provide mooring buoys at Rathmullan. It is not a matter for the commissioners to initiate such proposals.
Comment on this
If Donegal County Council put proposals before the Minister will he agree to consider them?
Comment on this
When the Minister of State receives this request will be study it very carefully because he possibly will be thinking very seriously of extending this pier where mackerel worth millions of pounds are being landed each week? Would he expedite a decision and seriously consider the further development of this pier?
Comment on this
I would remind the Deputy of my answer. I understand the Deputy is a member of Donegal County Council. This pier is maintained and managed by Donegal County Council and we have no proposals of any kind concerning it.
Comment on this
In fairness, I must say that I am being misinterpreted. That was not my question. My question was when the Minister receives the request from Donegal County Council will he expedite a decision and at the same time bear in mind that there will be further plans for the development of Rathmullan Pier where mackerel worth millions of pounds are landed each week. I am quite able to understand the answer which was given twice previously.