Vol. 568 No. 2
111 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has discussed a policy formation whereby Waterford Port will be the premier port in the south east for bulk and container freight and Rosslare Ferry Port will be developed as the premier port in the south east for passenger and roll-on, roll-off container traffic; and his views on the issue. [13731/03]
The answer to the Deputy's question is "no". As the Deputy may be aware I recently published the report of the high level review of State commercial ports operating the Harbours Act, 1996 to 2000, along with the report of the ministerial task force on port estates. I also published a consultation foreword-policy statement, outlining the key aspects of the reports and my own personal perspective on the findings of both reports. A full consultation process has been initiated inviting all interested persons, bodies and stakeholders to make submissions and-or representations on the findings of both these reports. It is my intention that the results of the consultative process will feed into and inform future policy deliberations as to how to best manage and operate the ports in the future. Rosslare Port is not governed by the Harbours Acts and its development is a matter for Iarnród Éireann.
