asked the Minister for Communications the time-table for the further development of the harbour at Ringaskiddy, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ringaskiddy (Cork) Harbour.
3.
The deep water berth which is under construction at present is the final phase of the Cork Harbour Development Scheme. Work on the berth is due to be completed in August 1986.
The Free Ports Bill published on 18 June 1985 will enable me to establish a free port at Ringaskiddy. I will be announcing details about the area to be designated as the free port, arrangements for management and control, etc., at a later date.
When will the Minister give details of the area that is to be declared a free port?
Later in the year. The legislation unfortunately will not now be enacted before the summer recess, but I hope it will be enacted very soon after we resume after the summer recess and at that time I think it would be appropriate to announce the organisational arrangements for the new free port.
Would the Minister not agree that the declaration of the area as a free port would be of tremendous benefit in the development of Cork harbour and that it is essential that this information be made available at the earliest possible date and not have it strung out as we have had it strung out over the past two years or so. The Minister should be able to give us a more definite answer.
I have to reject the latter part of what Deputy Ahern has said, that this has been strung out over the past two years. The decision to create a free port at Ringaskiddy was announced in the national plan last October. We now have legislation before us. As Deputy Ahern will be aware, the preparation of legislation is a complex matter and in this case involves several Departments and the Revenue Commissioners. The legislation is now ready. I take the Deputy's point that we need to announce the management structure and organisation of the port as soon as possible and we will do so.
Would the Minister like to state how the area to be declared a free port area will relate to the large industrial site which is beside it and which is crying out for development?
I would not wish to anticipate the area to be designated because this will involve discussion with the customs authorities who are not under my control.