Ivan Yates
Question:67 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Marine if the Government intend to develop Dún Laoghaire port, County Dublin, in the context of car ferry services; and, if so, when.
Written Answers. - Development of Dún Laoghaire (Dublin) Port.
The House is aware that I appointed the Interim Dún Laoghaire Harbour Board last year to advise on all aspects of the management and development of the harbour.
The board are at present drafting an outline development plan for the harbour which will encompass the commercial and recreational amenities alike. At the outset, the board identified as a priority the need to secure the operation of the fery terminal and invited Sealink, the harbour's main user, and CIE to submit development proposals for the future operation of the facility. The board are currently considering the proposals.
I understand that the board's development plan for the harbour will incorporate an agreed proposal and specify how development will impinge upon the ferry terminal facilities. I do not wish, however, to pre-empt the board's consideration of the matter.
I would point out that I have already indicated my support for the retention of the ferry service to Dún Laoghaire Harbour.