Vol. 509 No. 6
123 Ms Hanafin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will ensure that the views and needs of the present and pro spective users of Dún Laoghaire harbour are taken into account in the proposed development of the marina in the harbour. [20993/99]
124 Ms Hanafin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the compensation or alternative equivalent moorings, if any, the State or the harbour company is offering to boat owners displaced by the proposed marina in Dún Laoghaire harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20995/99]
125 Ms Hanafin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the projected gross income from the proposed Dún Laoghaire harbour which is payable to the harbour company; and the dividends which will be paid by Dún Laoghaire harbour to the State as a shareholder. [20996/99]
126 Ms Hanafin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the extent of State and European assistance to subvent the private commercial marina which is proposed for Dún Laoghaire harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20997/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 124, 125 and 126 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, under the Harbours Act, 1996, Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company is statutorily responsible for the management, control, direction and development of the harbour and its environs within jurisdictional limits.
The company requires a foreshore lease and licence for the works to be undertaken. I will consider all objections lodged under the public consultation process including those relating to loss of moorings before any licensing decision is made by me.
As regards the question of dividends, the position is that no decision has been taken on dividends from the nine State port companies, including Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company. My Department is working closely with the Department of Finance on the question of ports' dividend policy. This will take into account the need for continuing investment by the ports to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to handle increasing volumes of tourism and trade and maintain competitiveness.
On the question of State and Exchequer assistance, the position is that there is a long-standing commitment to an Exchequer grant of £3 million as well as £850,000 grant assistance under the EU Wales-Ireland Maritime Interreg Initiative.
