Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 6

Written Answers. - Port Development Funding.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

29 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Marine the level of EC financial assistance available for port development; whether this varies for different types of ports; and whether he has satisfied himself that we have obtained the maximum level of financial support at EC level for port development.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the aid being made available to certrain harbour authorities under the Operational Programme on Peripherality 1989-1993.

The programme provides for substantial investment in ports over the period to 1993. A total investment of about 88 MECU, approximately £69 million, is proposed, spread over the larger commercial seaports, as well as a number of local ports. Of this investment, about 39 MECU, approximately £30 million, will be obtained from the EC in the form of grant-aid from the European Regional Development Fund.

The programme is divided into two sub-programmes. The first, the peripherality sub-programme, is aimed at the larger commercial seaports and is to contribute to investments to offset the impact of Ireland's peripheral location; total cost, about £60 million. The second, the sub-regional-development sub-programme, is aimed at key regional seaports, and though it is not of the same importance as offsetting the effects of peripherality, it is of significance to the development of industry and tourism at sub-regional or local level; total cost, about £9 million.

The programme provides that harbour authorities, irrespective of their size or location, can receive grant aid of up to 50 per cent of their approved project costs. As was indicated in paragraph 3.1.35 of the Government's National Development Plan, 1989-1993, expenditure will be concentrated particularly on Dublin, Rosslare, Waterford and Cork ports.

I am satisfied that the level of assistance which Irish ports are receiving under the programme, is the maximum which could be obtained in the circumstances, taking account of the number of ports undertaking developments, and of economic and regional considerations.