asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will, in view of the number of boats fishing from Kilmore Quay and the number employed which is in the region of 450, consider up-grading Kilmore Quay harbour to that of major harbour status; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I presume the Deputy is referring to the possible designation of Kilmore Quay as a fishery harbour centre under the Fishery Harbour Centres Acts, 1968 and 1980.

Having considered a report on fishery harbours in this country, including Kilmore Quay, by an internationally recognised harbour consultant, the Government decided in 1967 that five fishery harbour centres should be established to cover the north-west, west, south-west, south-east and east coastal regions. Dunmore East was the location chosen to cover the south-east region. The Government decision was given statutory effect by the Fishery Harbour Centres Acts, 1968 and 1980. I have no proposals at present to increase the number of fishery harbour centres.

3.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry in view of the number of fishermen using Kilmore harbour and of the condition of the harbour, if he will as a matter of urgency ensure that the harbour is dredged; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A major improvement scheme, including dredging of the harbour is proposed for Kilmore Quay and plans are being prepared by the Office of Public Works. Until these plans, together with an estimate of cost, are received in my Department and considered in the light of funds available for fishery harbour works generally, I cannot say when the scheme for Kilmore Quay is likely to be put in hands. The financing of maintenance dredging is, of course, a matter for the harbour authority.