asked the Minister for Transport if the terms on which State finance is available to the harbour authorities at Rosslare and Dún Laoghaire are the same as for other ports in the State; and if competition between these and other ports is on fair terms.
Written Answers. - Harbour Authorities Finance.
192.
Harbour grants are provided only in special circumstances, such as where the establishment or expansion of a particular major industry or new trade requires improved harbour facilities and the cost of providing those facilities cannot be provided by the harbour authority. This policy applies equally to Rosslare Harbour, which is managed and operated by CIE, as to ports in the State governed by the Harbours Act, 1946.
I have no reason to believe that competition between Rosslare and those other ports is not on fair terms.
Dún Laoghaire is administered by the Office of Public Works under the State Harbours Act, 1924, and any question about the financing of that harbour should be addressed to the Minister for Finance.