178 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will sanction grant aid to allow work to commence on a pier (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31049/05]

Garnish pier is owned by Cork County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance. Cork County Council submitted a proposal to the Department in 2003 for works to Garnish pier at an estimated cost of €750,000. This year, under the small harbours programme, I allocated funding of €45,000 to Cork County Council towards pier improvement works at Garnish pier costing a total of €60,000. The question of providing Exchequer funding for Garnish pier in 2006 will depend on the amount of funding available for works at fishery harbours generally and overall national priorities.