Vol. 559 No. 5
257 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if Drogheda Port Company will contribute financially to the construction of the proposed Northern Cross route at Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26807/02]
As the Deputy may be aware, Drogheda Port Company is statutorily responsible as a commercial State port company for the management, control, operation and development of its harbour in accordance with the Harbours Act, 1996.
I have sought a report from the port company in the matter raised by the Deputy and I have been advised that during the period 1999-2001 Drogheda Port Company carried out the capital works of dredging the channel and the construction of the new terminal at Tom Roes Point. The investment included a substantial contribution by the port company in terms of road levies for access and I am pleased to note has resulted in an increase in throughput through the port amounting to some 40%. The provision of the Northern Cross-port access is essential to the continued growth and development of the port and the alleviation of traffic through Drogheda town centre.
As a Member of the Oireachtas, the Deputy will be aware that any moneys voted by the Oireachtas to my Department for ports are solely for actual port improvements. The question of road funding is one for the Department of the Environment and Local Government, NRA and also, if appropriate, the local authority.
