asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the up-to-date position on harbour development at Purteen, Keel, Achill, County Mayo.

: As the Deputy is probably aware, dredging works were being undertaken at Purteen harbour in the Autumn of 1981 when it was discovered that the pier was badly undermined. Work on the dredging scheme was suspended in order that the position might be reviewed in the light of the damage to the pier and the fact that additional improvement works were being sought by the local fishermen.

An estimate of the cost of repairs to the pier and of the additional improvement works has recently been received from the Office of Public Works and the matter is under consideration by my Department at present.

: Can the Minister give any indication when work might be resumed and what the expenditure is likely to be?

: I cannot give the Deputy any definite time scale within which the work might take place. The matter is being examined at present to establish if those works are justified in the fishery interests. The Deputy can be assured that every effort will be made to expedite a decision on this.