Harbours and Piers

Thursday, 13 November 2025

Ceisteanna (395)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

395. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to put a process in place to purchase the title to Kilkeaveragh Pier, Portmagee, County Kerry in order that the structure qualifies for state funding; to clarify the rights and responsibilities attributed to it as it appears that the title to Kilkeaveragh Pier, which was built by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) as part of the Iveragh Estate is not owned by his Department and has been left in ‘no man's land’ (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62355/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Kilkeaveragh Pier was built and owned by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and held in what was called the Iveragh Estate. Irish Land Commission records relating to the TCD Estates indicate that Kilkeaveragh Pier was specifically excluded from the transfer when the Barony of Iveragh was sold to the Congested District Boards in 1913.

Therefore, it is my Department’s understanding that TCD retained ownership of the pier after the 1913 transfer and would be responsible for the public liability insurance, maintenance and upkeep of the pier.

It is also my understanding that until recently TCD were unaware of their continued interest in title in this pier and their own records suggest that the title rests with the State.

While it is not within the remit of my Department to purchase and maintain privately held piers, should the relevant local authority engage with TCD to take charge of Kilkeaveragh Pier, any application that might be submitted by the authority to my Department which meets the conditions of the Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme would be considered in the context of available funding and overall national priorities.