asked the Minister for the Marine the benefits in terms of jobs and prosperity immediately accruing from his proposal to unify the ports in the Shannon estuary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Estuary Ports Proposal.
32.
The establishment of a Shannon Estuary Development Authority will bring a new, effective and co-ordinated approach to the development of this national resource in the mid-west region. It will pool the resources of the harbour authorities around the estuary with a view to effective planning, development and investment.
The new authority will have a mandate for promoting, co-ordinating and developing investment in marine-related industrial, tourist, recreational and amenity facilities and for encouraging activities likely to contribute to the realisation of the marine potential of the Shannon estuary. This should improve job creation in the region.
I see the preparation of a detailed plan to achieve these objectives as a matter for the board in the first instance. I will be taking a considerable interest in the progress of the new body.
Since we have only two minutes left I would like to ask my supplementaries together. How does the Minister propose to carry out the objectives of the Bill when there is no provision for funding within it? Is it not a fact that he himself is not satisfied with the present drafting of the Bill and intends to have it re-examined? Is he also aware that certain developments which were taking place, particularly in Foynes, are now on ice because of anxiety on the part of the developers that the good value and autonomy that was in Foynes in the operation of it as a commercial port is now under serious threat in terms of this Bill?
Whatever may or may not be on ice in Foynes has nothing at all to do with this legislation. The Bill is before the House. The most effective way to deal with it now is to get the agreement of the House to proceed with the intention of the Bill.
Deputy De Rossa has indicated that he wishes to raise a Private Notice Question. That is in order and perhaps he would now put the question.