Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cork Harbour Dredging Project.

Tony Killeen

Question:

105 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine if all companies tendering for the dredging of approaches to Tivoli container terminal were required to submit evidence that acceptable standards of safety and employee remuneration would apply; and if he has satisfied himself that these considerations were adhered to.

Tony Killeen

Question:

106 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself that EU guidelines on tendering were adhered to in shortlisting contractors for the Tivoli container terminal dredging contract and that experienced Irish contractors were not unfairly excluded from the tendering process.

Michael Ahern

Question:

107 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Minister for the Marine the number of Irish companies who applied for the right to tender for the Cork Harbour dredging project which was awarded to a company (details supplied); and the criteria that were used to debar Irish companies from tendering.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 106 and 107 together.

It is a matter for Cork Harbour Commissioners to ensure that safety standards and tendering procedures are fully complied with.

I have been assured by Cork Harbour Commissioners that they have, in this case, fully followed EU guidelines on tendering and the appropriate Irish legislation and regulations in relation to safety and remuneration. On the question of applicants, all applicants were required to demonstrate proven experience in the management, operation and ownership of trailer suction dredgers. Cork Harbour Commissioners have informed me that no Irish firm demonstrated to the commissioners' satisfaction the relevant experience.