Vol. 414 No. 4
7 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Marine if it is intended to simultaneously develop new berthage and terminal facilities at both Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ports; if he will outline his policy in relation to the future structures to manage each port; and the basis on which both these ports on the central corridor should co-exist.
44 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine if he has given any consideration to the development of sea passenger and port facilities in the Dublin area; if he intends to develop both Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ports.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 44 together.
Dublin Bay embraces two of the most important facilities for freight and passengers in the island of Ireland. On assuming office as Aire na Mara, I decided that the facilities at both locations required planning and development in an integrated way.
The ports strategy being followed in the Dublin sub-region is to promote the development of bulk, ro-ro and lo-lo facilities in Dublin Port. A project in the bulk and lo-lo areas is underway at present, being financed in part through the Operational Programme on Peripherality. A ro-ro project is due to start up in 1992.
I am aware that Dublin port has an indicative proposal to develop a unified passenger ferry terminal in its current five year development plan. No particular proposal has, however, been submitted to my Department and the port has no immediate plans to undertake such a development.
Any proposal to develop passenger facilities in Dún Laoghaire harbour will have to await the completion of the Dún Laoghaire harbour development plan, which is being finalised at present by the Interim Dún Laoghaire Harbour Board, and following this, the Government's consideration of that plan.
As I have informed this House previously, following consideration of the interim board's development plan and the comments offered by the public and of other relevant studies and reports in the matter, I will then be in a position to consider the alternatives available in Dublin Bay for the development of berthage and terminal facilities which service the central corridor.
I would point out that I have indicated my support in this House on a number of occasions for the retention of the ferry service to Dún Laoghaire.
Is it the Minister's intention to establish a Dublin Bay authority who would take responsibility for both ports so that they would co-exist under one structure? May I take it from his reply that it is his intention to develop Dún Laoghaire as a passenger port and Dublin port as a cargo and freight port?
In response to the first part of the Deputy's question, I have no intention of setting up a Dublin Bay authority and in response to the second part, the main work at Dún Laoghaire at present concerns the passenger ferry. The income earned by Dún Laoghaire comes, very substantially, from the ferry which we intend to develop.
Dún Laoghaire port have proposals to develop facilities at cost of £26 million while Dublin port have proposals to improve passenger terminal facilities at a cost of £20 million. It would be totally illogical for the Minister to abdicate any responsibility in determining which development should take place at each port. There is a need for orderly development so that both ports can co-exist. Would the Minister not agree, in that context, that a new structure is required? If the harbour review group recommend such a structure will he then consider it?
When the harbour committee report I will consider whatever is contained in their report. Taking due cognisance of value for money invested, either our own or European Community moneys, it is my intention to retain Dún Laoghaire as a ferry port. I outlined in my reply the developments envisaged at Dublin port.
I am pleased to hear the Minister's reply. Did I understand him correctly that it is his intention to develop Dún Laoghaire as a passenger port? In view of his stated commitment to retain the car ferry there, is it therefore his intention to invest in the development of a new car ferry terminal at Dún Laoghaire when the report of the interim harbour board has been finalised?
When the interim report has been finalised in my Department the Government will consider what future investments will be necessary at Dún Laoghaire.
I have no doubt the Minister will, but I am seeking some indication as to his intentions in this matter. Is it his or the Government's intention to invest in the development of passenger facilities at Dublin port and Dún Laoghaire, or is it his intention to invest only in the development of passenger facilities at Dún Laoghaire and in the development of freight facilities at Dublin port?
I do not envisage a dichotomy.
The Minister is dodging the question. Has he not seen the facilities at the North Wall? They are a disgrace.
I am not.
May I ask the Minister if, alongside the investment in the development of the harbour at Dún Laoghaire, he will set up the long-awaited Dún Laoghaire harbour authority to co-ordinate the investment in that development?
I can tell the Deputy that is my intention.
