asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has plans for the development of the Port of Drogheda at Mornington, County Louth.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drogheda Port Development.
8.
The formulation of plans for the development of Drogheda Port at Mornington is a matter for the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners who are statutorily obliged to take proper steps for the management, control and operation of their harbour.
As I informed the House last December, the Harbour Commissioners have proposals for development works at Mornington. They have made application for State assistance for the proposed works which are intended to cater for ore traffic from the Tara Mines. Fuller consideration of the application must await a definite commitment by Tara Mines or some other major user.
Could the Minister state whether Tara Mines have yet decided in favour of using the Port of Drogheda?
I understand they have not decided either to use it or not to use it. They have not made any decision yet.
I am sure the Minister will do what he can to ensure that Tara export through the Port of Drogheda, that he would be in favour of decentralisation, as we all are. Would the Minister agree that if the Drogheda port were developed as per the plans at present before him or, at least, the plans the Harbour Commissioners have, the likelihood of Tara Mines using that port would be much greater?
I could not answer that. I do not know. Tara Mines had come to an arrangement with Drogheda Harbour Commissioners to use the new port being built at Mornington. That agreement seemed to have been reached when I was down there 18 months ago but they have changed their minds now. I suppose one of the advantages for Tara in using the Port of Dublin is the fact that the rail link exists, that the facilities are already there and they only have to pay the normal harbour dues, whereas if they use Mornington they will be asked for special harbour dues because of the fact that these new installations have been put in and also there is the question of the erection of a rail link between the mines and Mornington. It is a commercial decision on the part of Tara Mines, and they will approach it on the basis of what is the cheapest way for them to export their ore.
Could I further ask the Minister if it is a fact that some time ago he stated that money could be made available for the development of the port if a major industry were interested? Would he also agree that the problem is that the major industry very often is awaiting the development of a port before they will make a decision and in these circumstances would the Minister not agree that if he were to make a commitment now to provide the finance for the development of the Port of Drogheda at Mornington it would encourage Tara Mines who have not, as the Minister said, made their final decision yet, to make a decision in favour of exporting through the Port of Drogheda?
They understand the position that if they decide to use Mornington the facilities will be there for them when they are ready to export. They are not approaching it on that basis. They are approaching it on a cost to them basis.
Is it not very probable now that they will export through Dublin? Has the decision not yet been reached?
There has been no decision yet.
When can we expect a decision?
I do not know. This is a matter for decision by the port authorities.
Next question, please.
I hope the Minister will use his influence to have the port of Drogheda used by Tara Mines.