Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2017
606. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the building of a warehouse by the Drogheda Port Company on its property in Drogheda; the property which has been acquired by Drogheda Port Company since 2010; if this property is for the use of the port's 50% subsidiary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8310/17]
View answer607. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the rationale for Drogheda Port Company's investment in property since 2010, the way this investment might have altered the competitive position of stevedores within Drogheda port; if the Drogheda Port Company should have targeted investment on refurbishing the training walls at the mouth of the Boyne to improve navigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8311/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 606 and 607 together.
Drogheda Port Company is one of eight State commercial port companies established and operating pursuant to the Harbours Acts 1996-2015. The Minister for Transport ,Tourism and Sport is the principal shareholder in the port company and his relationship with the company is governed by both the Harbours Acts and the Companies Act.
As a limited liability company, the port is responsible for the management, control, operation and development of its harbour and is directly answerable to its Board of Directors. As ports operate as commercial companies, I am not involved in day to day operational issues in any port company.
Decisions by Drogheda Port Company in relation to the acquisition or disposal of land or buildings, remedial works and capital infrastructure are matters for the Board.
