asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the National Prices Commission stated in its November 1978 report (pages 8 and 9) that an effective ports policy would serve to improve the efficiency of our ports thereby reducing costs and that for balanced development of our ports a national ports policy is urgently required; and the steps being taken to implement a national ports policy as the Dublin Port and Docks Board is proceeding on a piecemeal basis and has applied to reclaim 94 acres of the Inner Dublin Bay opposite Clontarf.
Written Answers. - National Ports Policy.
577.
I am aware of the National Prices Commission statement in this matter.
The development of Irish commercial ports is primarily the responsibility of each individual harbour authority which is statutorily established for this purpose. I am not convinced that there is a need for a national ports policy as such. In my view, policy must be flexible and capable of adaptation to change. A national ports policy could be too rigid for our particular circumstances, given the number of smaller ports operating quite effectively to meet local needs.
That is not to say that harbour authorities should be free to undertake unco-ordinated development without regard to the need for efficiency in the use of facilities and resources. In that connection, I should explain that harbour development proposals generally require statutory authorisation by my Department — for example, in the form of a harbour works order — as well as approval of borrowing or other means of financing the project. In examining any such proposals my Department would in the normal case take account of the facilities available in other adjacent harbours so as to avoid unnecessary duplication of facilities, while at the same time ensuring that our ports are adequately equipped to meet transportation needs.
I do not accept the Deputy's suggestion that the Dublin Port and Docks Board is proceeding on a "piecemeal" basis. Development by the Board is on the basis of a published five year plan which is reviewed and updated annually in the light of current and projected demands for port facilities and the development of new port technology. As part of the five year programme, the board has applied for a Harbour Works Order to reclaim an area of foreshore on the north side of the River Liffey in the vicinity of the British Rail terminal and to construct a deep-water quay on the river side of the reclaimed area. The board's application is still under consideration.