Seán Barrett
Question:279 Mr. Barrett and Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Marine when he will introduce the promised new legislation on harbours; and the scope and purpose of this legislation.
Written Answers. - Harbours Legislation.
Legislation is at present being drafted to bring about a major reorganisation of commercial ports. The new Ports and Harbours Bill, which will be designed to facilitate commercialisation, will:
— set up commercial State companies to manage the ports of Dublin, Dún Laoghaire, Wicklow, Arklow, New Ross, Waterford, Cork, Foynes, Limerick/Shannon Estuary, Galway, Dundalk and Drogheda;
— provide for the reorganisation of port pilotage services;
— transfer responsibility for ports of lesser commercial significance to the local authorities;
— designate Dingle Harbour as a Fishery Harbour Centre.
The new proposals are based on and in line with the recommendations of the Commercial Harbours Review Group.