April 2004

Minister 'fails' on Greencastle harbour pledge

Buncrana Councillor, Padraig MacLochlainn made comments last night, after Sinn Fein's spokesman, Martin Ferris put a Parliamentary Question to Marine Minister, Dermot Ahern, seeking assurances that commitments made to dredge the Inishowen harbour at the onset of the Magilligan-Greencastle ferry would be honoured.

However, Minister Ahern "denied knowledge" of those commitments according to Colr. MacLouchlainn who is also a candidate for the forthcoming local elections.

In recent years harbour users at the busy fishing village have complained of the dangers of congestion at Greencastle harbour. It's been claimed many times that serious accidents will only take a matter of time if the dredging problem is not addressed.

"This government has serious questions to answer over its failure to provide necessary funding for dredging piers and harbours in Inishowen" said Colr. MacLouchlainn.

It is fair to say that both Buncrana pier and Greencastle harbour are at crisis point, yet again Minister Ahern, in response to our question is passing the buck.

"Even if the proposed development project at Greencastle habour moves smoothly through the final planning stage, it could be years in the current environment before the necessary funding is available to complete it."

Minister Ahern replied ; "Greencastle harbour is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for its repair, maintenance and development rests with the local authority in the first instance. I am not aware of any commitments given to fishermen at Greencastle in respect of dredging. However, as the Deputy will be aware, I have recently proposed development project at Greencastle to planning stages and it is envisaged that the County Council will commence this process shortly."

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