Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 3

Written Answers. - Shannon Estuary.

Michael Finucane

Question:

58 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, there are under the community support framework for the Shannon Estuary for its development as a major port in the EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

As the Deputy will be aware, in the Programme for a Partnership Government, we have indicated that port investment will be concentrated in key commercial freight and passenger ports including the Shannon Estuary. A project team is currently examining all proposals for the development of the Shannon Estuary as a major European economic trading bridgehead.

In addition, the Department of the Marine is evaluating all port development submissions received from harbour authorities and private interests — including those submitted relating to the Shannon Estuary — in order to develop an integrated and strategic programme of investment in harbour facilities. This programme will be assisted by the EC Cohesion and Structural Funds and will enable our key commercial ports to cater for increasing demand and new designs of ships.

All submissions received in the Department of the Marine are being evaluated on an equal footing to ensure that the country has the portal infrastructure and handling equipment available to cater for our needs into the 21st century. The Department has received a very large number of proposals for port development both of national and regional ports. On the basis of these demands, a comprehensive port development programme has been submitted by my Department for consideration in the context of the preparation of the national plan for the utilisation of the next round of Structural Funds. Pending the settling of the ports allocation in the national plan, I am not in a position to indicate the extent to which proposals relating to the Shannon Estuary will be included.

This Government is acutely cognisant of the current importance and developmental potential of the Shannon Estuary and will endeavour to ensure that the best developmental options are taken in relation to the estuary.