Vol. 426 No. 6
19 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for the Marine if in the implementation of the Programme for a Partnership Government, 1993-97 and in the allocation of the next phase of Structural Funds the Government will treat all ports on an equal basis, particularly in relation to container traffic and deep sea development; and if due recognition will be given to the outstanding performance of the port of Cork in recent years and to its potential for further growth and expansion.
I would refer the Deputy to page 51 of the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-97 document which states that port investment will be concentrated in the key commercial freight and passenger ports of Cork, Dublin, Dún Laoghaire, Rosslare, the Shannon Estuary and Waterford. It is the Government's intention to ensure that these ports have appropriate port capacity and high quality infrastructure to meet the country's economic needs.
I am mindful of the excellent job that the Cork Harbour Commissioners have done in relation to the development of the harbour and the attraction of business thereto. I can assure the Deputy that all requests for aid under the next phase of structural funding are currently being evaluated on an equal footing.
