Vol. 485 No. 2
83 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources whether his attention has been drawn to the excellent development plan which has been produced for Baltimore Harbour, County Cork; and if he will make funds available for its implementation. [22865/97]
I am aware that a development plan for Baltimore Harbour has been submitted to my Department by Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Board with a proposed total project cost of £3,324,000.
All investments in marine infrastructure at seaports must be capable of generating a sufficient rate of return to remunerate the overall cost of the development and ongoing operational costs. Before undertaking any development appropriate sources of funding should be identified. In addition, it is longstanding policy that ports are required to be self-financing.
The 1997-99 strategy statement for my Department includes provision for a review of the strategic options for the future development and management of the commercial regional ports, including Baltimore, where traditional activities may be diminishing and to facilitate adjustment strategies and alternative business opportunities. Arrangements are in hand to initiate this review.
In addition to the strategic review of regional ports, I recently announced a new review by independent consultants of seaport capacity at all seaports operating under the Harbours Acts, 1946 and 1996, including Baltimore. Funded under the EU operational programme for transport, this capacity study will provide a definitive measurement and authoritative independent examination of the adequacy of seaport traffic handling capacity to cope with current and future demand. The study findings will inform future investment decisions and underpin policy on future marine infrastructural development.
The development plan for Baltimore Harbour will be assessed by my Department in the context of these comprehensive review processes and full exploration of the economic viability of all sustainable development options.
