asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals, if any, he has for the creation of a free port in Greenore, County Louth.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Greenore, Louth, Port Facilities.
1.
I have no proposals at present for the creation of a free port in Greenore.
Does the Minister accept that Greenore is an ideal venue for the creation of a free port? Does he accept that because of its strategic location in the international waters of Carlingford Lough it would be favourable for some type of grant assistance from the EC because of the opportunities to use the port of Warrenpoint on one side and Greenore on the other in an effort to foster cross-Border co-operation?
I accept it as one of the possible venues where we could have a free port. I would refer the Deputy to the Free Ports Act, 1986 which is an enabling measure permitting the establishment by ministerial order of free ports anywhere in the State. The prime purpose of that Act was the establishment of Ringaskiddy in Cork lower harbour. We must learn from experience there before we consider setting up other free ports. I am not dismissing Deputy McGahon's suggestion but we must learn from the experience which we will gain from the free port at Ringaskiddy. The matter will certainly be kept under review.