95 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the cost and benefit analysis of Clogherhead Harbour development proposals carried out for Louth County Council by a firm of consulting engineers which concludes, inter alia, that the ratio of the estimated capital cost of development is 2.2 indicating that the project would have financial viability; if he will, on this basis, allocate funding for the development of the pier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11820/02]

The harbour at Clogherhead is owned by Louth County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with the local authority in the first instance. In late March 2002 Louth County Council submitted a copy of a draft final report on the cost benefit analysis for the proposed Clogherhead harbour development, to my Department, for consideration. This report is being evaluated by my Department.

Consideration of any subsequent proposal for the development of the harbour by the local authority will be informed by the findings of the cost benefit analysis. However, under the national development plan funding for major fishery harbour development work is substantially oversubscribed at this point. Future capital development options in relation to Clogherhead will be assessed in the light of the cost benefit analysis and the overall funding envelope available.