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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 5

Written Answers. - Harbours and Piers.

Michael Ring

Question:

52 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will transfer the control of Westport Harbour area to Westport Urban District Council rather than Mayo County Council following a report recently commissioned in his Department on ports and harbours. [24773/99]

As the Deputy is aware, I have recently published a major independent review of the States' 16 commercial regional ports and harbours including Westport. The recommendation of the study in relation to Westport Harbour is that control of the Harbour be transferred to Mayo County Council.

Following publication of the study, I initiated a full consultative process which will allow each harbour authority and all stakeholders and other interests to comment on the recommendations which emerged from the review in advance of any decisions being made.

In this regard Westport Harbour Commissioners and other stakeholders and interested parties have been consulted and I would assure the Deputy that their views will be taken into account fully.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot pre-empt the outcome of the consultative process which will help me to determine the most appropriate and beneficial future management-operational arrangements for the harbour in the interests of the local economy and those who depend on the harbour for their livelihoods.
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