Failure to collect harbour dues costs €1.5m

THE Department of Communications Marine and Natural resources yesterday said it did not have adequate resources to collect harbour dues and payment on foreshore licences - a failure which costs the taxpayer €1.5 million annually.

Appearing before the Dáil Public Accounts Committee, the Department of Communications Secretary General conceded shortages in resources meant there were significant shortcomings in checking nationwide compliance with regulations for foreshore development and licensing.

The issue was first highlighted by Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) John Purcell in last year’s annual report which found €1.5m in harbour and foreshore licence fees had been foregone.