asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry when it is proposed to have extension works carried out on Blacksod pier; the estimated cost of such works; and the possible time scale for such construction work.

10.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will give details of the current position regarding the proposal of the development at Blacksod Pier; the estimated cost of the proposed work; and when he will grant approval to commence the work.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.

My Department is examining an engineering report and cost estimate for a major improvement at Blacksod Pier. Until this examination is completed I cannot say what works will be recommended in the fisheries interest.

The estimated cost of the scheme varies between £700,000 and £1 million depending on the depth of water to be provided at mean low water spring tides.

Is it possible to get extra financial resources to enable necessary repairs and construction work to be carried out in the small harbours? We have already dealt with Clogherhead. The Minister will be aware that there are many small piers in a dangerous condition. Unless action is taken soon the costs will be enormous and in many cases prohibitive. Is there a likelihood that the Minister will be able to get extra capital resources to do the work which needs to be done in the small harbours?

That is a separate question. This question is about a specific harbour.

It is relevant to other areas.

It may be, but not on this question.

I repaired the harbour in Clare.

Clare County Council did that with a loan from the Department of the Environment. They got very little assistance from the Department of Fisheries. The money was provided before the Minister was appointed.

That is not correct.

That harbour was repaired on foot of money sanctioned by the Minister for the Environment and organised by Clare County Council.

The Minister made a wrong statement.

That may be so, but we are dealing with Blacksod Pier.

The Minister should be allowed to clarify what he said.

I am calling the next question.

He said a pier was rebuilt in County Clare with money from his Department.

I made a contribution.

The Minister will please reply to Question No. 11.

The Minister supplied all the money.

I said I made a contribution.