The government is being accused of delaying the dredging of the harbour at Magheraroarty.
In a question to Local Government Minister Darragh O’Brien, Deputy Thomas Pringle asked why Donegal County Council’s application for a Dredging and Beach Nourishment Licence had not been granted, even though the council lodged it in January.
The reply, issued this week, stated that a Public Consultation is underway.
However, the Department’s own website states that consultation ended almost three months ago on April 12th.
Local Councillor Michael Cholm MacGiolla Easbuig says this is another indication of how the government regards West Donegal……………
Application form and other details can be seen HERE
Question and answer –
For Written Answer on : 06/07/2021
Question Number(s): 219 Question Reference(s): 36235/21
Department: Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Asked by: Thomas Pringle T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage when dredging will commence at Magheroarty Pier, Magheraroarty, Gortahork, County Donegal (details supplied); the reason the application has taken so long to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied) The application was submitted to the department in January 2021 but Donegal Co Council have not had any word as to when the dredging will start.
REPLY
An application for a foreshore licenece to undertake dredging at Magheraroarty under section 3 of the Foreshore Act 1933 was received by my Department on 5 January 2021. The application is currently open for public consultation and is available on my Department’s website https://www.gov.ie/en/
The application, including the views of the public and perscribed bodies will be considered in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements. A recommendation will then be made to me, as Minister, as to whether a license for this use of the foreshore should be consented.
My Department will keep the applicant informed accordingly.
