126 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will approve expenditure to complete works on a pier (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15693/07]

Garnish Pier is owned by Cork County Council and responsibility for its maintenance, repair and upkeep rests with the Local Authority in the first instance.

In 2006, the Department allocated funding of €217,500 which represented 75% of the total project cost of €290,000. The allocation was for Phase 2 of the development which involved raising the height of the pier and adjoining wave wall.

I have recently received an application for funding under the Department's 2007 Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Programme from Cork County Council to complete Phase 2 works in 2007.

I hope to shortly be in a position to announce my Department's Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Programme 2007. All funding approvals are based on available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward.