Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 4

Written Answers. - Sea Passenger Port Facilities.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

35 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine the reason no provision has been made for sea passenger port facilities in the operational programme on peripherality, the plans he has to improve these facilities at the existing sea passenger ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

The operational programme on peripherality provides for the development of sea passenger port facilities.

In relation to Rosslare port which operates under the aegis of the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the programme provides for an investment of £11 million in improved port facilities, including passenger facilities, in the period up to 1993. The EC will be contributing approximately £5 million towards the cost of the development.

Three other ports would fall to be considered for aid under the programme for further development of their passenger facilities.

In the case of Cork, passenger reception facilities are considered to be well developed. In the case of Dublin-Dún Laoghaire final decision on development options will have to await consideration of the outline development plan for Dún Laoghaire Harbour being prepared at present by the Interim Dún Laoghaire Harbour Board, which I set up in January 1990. The Dún Laoghaire plan will be ready soon. The interim board intend to mount a public display of its proposals and all interested parties will be afforded an opportunity to make their input into the nature of the developments recommended for the harbour.

Following consideration of these plans and the comments offered by the public, I will decide how best to progress the development of passenger reception facilities in the Dublin Bay area.