Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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981. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding is available to make improvements to pedestrian safety in public areas in harbours under the ownership of his Department such as a harbour (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8280/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute.

Funding is made available on an annual basis by the Department to the FHCs, including Howth, via the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.  A phased programme for the infrastructural development of Howth FHC has been progressed over the last number of years, which has seen a significant investment.  In total, approximately €20m has been invested in capital developments at Howth FHC between 2012 and 2021.  

Furthermore, a total of €6.025m has been allocated for capital works in the harbour this year.  Further information on this year's Programme is available online at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3030f-minister-mcconalogue-to-invest-35-million-during-2022-in-irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/

Funding is allocated annually to carry out safety & maintenance works throughout the harbour to benefit all harbour users including pedestrians, fishers, commercial and recreational users.  Funding is also allocated annually for disability access.  Recent work completed include the installation and maintenance of defined walkways and pedestrian footpaths, repaving and surfacing of the West Pier, signage and line marking, resurfacing of the lower deck of the East Pier along with the ongoing maintenance.

As is the case with all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, any future decision with regard to development works in Howth FHC will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing national priorities and must follow the necessary public procurement guidelines.