Vol. 457 No. 7
316 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for the Marine when an application by Dundalk Harbour Commissioners for EU Structural Funds for harbour development at Dundalk Port, County Louth, will be decided; his views on the future of the port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16210/95]
Dundalk Harbour Commissioners submitted a development plan involving investment of £5 million seeking EU grant aid from the Operational Programme for Transport. Dundalk Harbour management were advised that the plan put forward was not considered to have met the criteria for investment set down in the Operational Programme for Transport.
In discussions with the Department about future investment the Harbour Commissioners indicated that they will be submitting a revised proposal involving the development of a quayside property, and refurbishment of the adjacent quay.
This proposal will be examined against the criteria for EU aid. It must also compete for aid with a number of other port projects. With regard to the future the harbour is of importance to the economy of the local region. Traffic levels have fallen in the recent past. However, I am aware that steps are being taken to attract new business to the harbour.
Dundalk Harbour is one of the 12 harbours which have been identified for semi-State status under the Harbours Bill, 1995. I consider that the new management structure provided for in the Harbours Bill, 1955, with the efforts being made to attract new business to the port, will give Dundalk Harbour the opportunity to retain and develop further its trade and contribute to the development of the economy of the local region.
