8 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if he will grant approval for the provision of permanent pontoons at Dunmore East harbour, County Waterford, to replace the temporary ones which were purchased some years ago and which must be removed due to their condition in view of the fact that these are essential for the protection of small vessels in the harbour. [5936/97]

15 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if he will have arrangements made to draw up plans for a major extension of Dunmore East harbour to facilitate the commercial fishing fleet and leisure boat activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7162/97]

I propose to take Questions No. 8 and 15 together.

Following consultations recently between the Department's engineering division, the harbour master and a representative of the Small Boat Association, it has been agreed that a damaged pontoon at Dunmore East will be removed very shortly and the remaining pontoons will be reconfigured to facilitate the fishermen concerned.

Longer-term plans for the berthing of small boats at Dunmore East are being considered in the context of an overall assessment of the future infrastructural needs of the harbour at Dunmore East.

There is an acknowledged shortage of berthing at Dunmore East particularly during the herring season. In order to fully inform an assessment of the development options for the harbour I approved the commissioning of a wave study at Dunmore East harbour. The terms of reference for the study are to investigate the effect on wave patterns within the harbour of a number of development options, to examine the causes of the "surge" which occurs in the harbour, and to recommend solutions. This essential technical assessment will critically inform future development options.

I understand that the local harbour users committee has commissioned a study of the infrastructural requirements at the harbour. The findings of this study will also be taken fully into account in future plans.

9 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine the measures, if any, he is taking to assist in dredging of Cheekpoint harbour and the surrounding areas which are currently heavily silted. [7161/97]

I am aware of the problems of siltation which have affected Cheekpoint harbour.