asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the plans that exist for the development of Irish ports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Port Development.
27.
The development of a particular port is primarily the responsibility of the individual harbour authority which is statutorily established for this purpose and which from time to time may prepare development plans for its particular circumstances. Such development proposals generally require statutory authorisation by my Department, for example, in the form of a harbour works order, as well as approval for borrowing or other means of financing the project. Through this machinery my Department become aware of proposals for development works at the various ports, but the Department would not necessarily be aware in advance of all the proposals that might be under consideration at any given time throughout the country. If the Deputy wishes to have information about a particular port, I would of course be prepared to answer a question from him in the matter.
In making a decision in relation to harbour works applied for by a particular harbour, does the Minister take account of the facilities available in other adjacent harbours?
Certainly.