Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC), as a Port of Regional Significance, is designated under National Ports Policy 2013 to transfer to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. The Harbours Act 2015 provides the necessary legal framework for the transfer to take place.
In preparation for the transfer of the port, the Chief Executive (CE) undertook both a due diligence and a risk assessment. At a special meeting of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on 6th March 2018, the CE presented her final report to Council.
National Ports Policy recognised that the future of Dun Laoghaire port lies in marine leisure, maritime tourism, cultural amenity and urban redevelopment. In addition, it clearly states that there is no Exchequer funding for any port company.
On transfer, all assets and liabilities will transfer to the local authority. In addition, the port will continue to generate income from marine-related and other activities such as rents, leases and car parks. In the ports sector, remedial and engineering works are normally prioritised and the funding of those works is planned and the funding allocated to undertake those works over a period of time (immediate, medium and long term).