As the Deputy points out, Bantry Harbour is the last remaining harbour operating under the Harbours Act, 1946.The core business of Bantry Bay harbour is the oil storage and transhipment terminal on Whiddy Island. Provision was included in the Harbours (Amendment) Act, 2009 to allow the transfer of Bantry Harbour to the Port of Cork to take place. The Act provides that a public consultation must be completed before any transfer takes place and it outlines how that consultation should take place.
I launched a public consultation on 7th March in relation to a proposal to transfer Bantry harbour to the Port of Cork. The deadline for receipt of submissions is Friday 5th April 2013. A decision on the proposed transfer will be made when all the submissions duly made under that process have been considered. In terms of the promotion and development of Bantry Bay Harbour and maximising Bantry's potential as a tourist hub for west Cork, Fáilte Ireland have responsibility for regional tourism development. I have referred the question of the development of the region to them for further information and direct reply.
