andMr. Barrett (Clare) asked the Minister for Communications if he is aware of the positive response given by the Commission in the European Parliament in Strasbourg during the March Session to a question by Sylvester Barrett MEP to the effect that financial aid would be available to assist in the provision of a feasibility study on the Shannon estuary with a view to determining its suitability as a deep sea port and as a location for further heavy industry; and if the Irish Government are prepared to take up this offer of help by formally applying without delay, having regard to the many thousands registered as unemployed in the region.
Written Answers. - Shannon Estuary Feasibility Study.
449.
I am aware of the response to which the Deputies refer. As recently as 2 May 1985 the Minister for Finance, in reply to a parliamentary question from Deputy MacSharry, pointed out that the Shannon estuary has been the subject of a number of studies in the past. The most recent study, which included an examination of the existing infrastructure and the infrastructural requirements of industry, was completed in 1983 and was jointly financed by the Mid-Western Regional Development Organisation and the EC Commission.
Most of the Shannon estuary is at present under the jurisdiction of the Limerick harbour commissioners but it is my intention to introduce legislation later this year to provide for the establishment of a Shannon ports authority. The proposed authority will have an important role in advancing proposals for the development of portal infrastructure in the Shannon estuary and in arranging for the carrying out of any further studies which may be deemed to be necessary.