Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016
855. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the Alexandra Basin project; the total amount the Government will spend on this project; and when it is due for completion. [12848/16]
View answerPlanning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála in respect of an application by Dublin Port Company for the Alexander Basin Redevelopment (ABR) Project on the 8 July 2015.
Enabling works in respect of the project commenced at the western end of the Alexandra Basin in March 2016. Dublin Port Company are currently pursuing some additional consents required including a Foreshore Licence and a Dumping at Sea Licence.
With regard to funding for ports, National Ports Policy clearly outlines that there is no Exchequer funding for ports. All port infrastructure development must be funded by the port on a commercial basis without recourse to the Exchequer.
It is estimated that the ABR project will take 5 years to complete at a cost of €227m and it will be funded in a number of ways. In addition to the Company's own resources, Dublin Port Company has received EU Commission grant approval under the Connecting Europe Facility for €22.8m in respect of the project. The port has also signed a Finance Contract with the European Investment Bank in respect of a €100m loan facility for the project.
