Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 10 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 6

Written Answers. - Arklow (Wicklow) Port Development.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

81 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Marine, in view of the revised estimate sent by the Arklow Harbour Commissioners, County Wicklow, for the development of facilities at Arklow Port, the plans, if any, he has to carry out these works; and the timetable envisaged.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

The present position in this regard is that work is underway in the Department preparing for the continuation of EU aid for development works at the commercial seaports. The aim of our overall strategy will be to ensure that our seaports have the capacity and quality of infrastructure to meet the trading conditions of the 21st century. To achieve this, a comprehensive port development programme, involving expenditure of £100 million over the years 1994 to 1999, is included in the National Development Plan.

In so far as port projects are concerned the Department has identified portal requirements and is now in the process of identifying projects to meet those requirements subject to EU approval of the National Plan. This process will be concluded as soon as possible.

Officials of the Department will be in touch with Arklow Harbour Commissioners in the near future in relation to their port development proposals.