asked the Minister for Finance when Cladnagerragh pier, Kilcar, County Donegal will be repaired; and the reason for the delay.

As stated in reply to Question No. 485 on 20 October, the Commissioners of Public Works expect to commence work on this scheme late in 1982. Works could not begin earlier owing to prior marine engineering commitments in County Donegal.

In view of the fact that existing facilities at Cladnageeragh pier could be classified as dangerous would the Minister consider giving priority to these works in County Donegal? The area in question is so bad that it should be attended to as a matter of priority because the timber structures are extremely dangerous.

The pier at Cladnagerragh consists of two parts, an inner masonry section maintained by Donegal County Council and an outer open-work section maintained by the Commissioners for Public Works. The outer open-work timber section was built under the provisions of the Marine Act, 1902. There are heavy engineering commitments being processed in County Donegal. For that reason it would be very difficult to give a time and date for the commencement of the work.

What time factor is involved in the completion of the works?

I cannot give a reply at this stage. In March 1980 the work was estimated to cost £70,000. On 26 August 1980 the Department of Fisheries and Forestry sanctioned a 75 per cent State grant of £52,500. Donegal County Council had previously undertaken to contribute 25 per cent of the final cost of the works and to maintain them when completed. Under these circumstances and due to the fact that we have a long list of public works in progress in Donegal, it is not possible to say when this work will start.

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