Vol. 422 No. 1
32 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine whether a detailed prospectus has been circulated regarding the creation of a new trans-shipment port on the Shannon Estuary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A preliminary prospectus entitled "The Shannon Estuary Global Transportation and Industrial Centre" has been prepared by my Department in conjunction with relevant State agencies. The prospectus gives an overview of the Shannon Estuary in terms of its size and strategic location, existing maritime traffic, port related industry, the major estuary marine terminals and future developments planned for the estuary.
The prospectus is but one element of my Department's strategy to advance the Taoiseach's proposal for the establishment of an economically strategic trading bridgehead in the Shannon Estuary to boost maritime traffic and create jobs. The potential interests and markets for transshipped goods by mode and destination are currently being assessed by my Department and the relevant State agencies — SFADCo and the IDA — and the prospects will be used by those agencies in identifying possible projects and investment and in discussion with potential users/investors. Limerick Harbour commissioners and Foynes Harbour trustees are also co-operating with my Department in this endeavour.
