Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
51 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans with regard to ports in counties Wexford and Waterford; if there are plans to upgrade Waterford Port; if there are plans to downgrade New Ross Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13628/04]
View answerI have no plans to upgrade Waterford Port or to downgrade New Ross Port. Each of these ports is under the control and management of a company established under the Harbours Act 1996 and the statutory remit of both companies is identical.
In May 2003, I published the high level review of the State commercial ports operating under the Harbours Acts 1996 and 2000. The report sought to critically review the current model for the governance of the State commercial ports. On foot of publication of the report, I initiated a comprehensive consultation process with interested parties.
My Department has received written submissions from, and has met with, a number of interested parties. The results of these consultations are informing my Department's thinking in regard to future ports policy and a ports policy statement is in the final stages of preparation within my Department. It is my intention to publish the policy statement following consultation with my Government colleagues.
The harbour at Wexford is under the control and management of Wexford Harbour Commissioners operating under the Harbours Act 1946. Officials from my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are currently considering the modalities for the transfer of this harbour and certain other harbours operating under the 1946 Act to local authority ownership.
The harbour at Rosslare is under the control and management of Iarnród Éireann and comes under the aegis of the Department of Transport.
