§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the minimum depth of water at low tide in each of the principal fishing harbours in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyAt mean low water during spring tides, the design depths at the entrance and landing and berthing areas of Northern Ireland's three main fishing ports of Kilkeel, Ardglass and Portavogie are as follows:
Entrance Landing and berthing areas (feet) (feet) Kilkeel 6 6 Ardglass 12 8 Portavogie 8 15 The Northern Ireland fishery harbour authority, which has responsibilities for these harbours, has a policy of continuous dredging at Kilkeel to maintain depth. There are no siltation problems at Ardglass and Portavogie.