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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 4

Written Answers. - Shannon Estuary Development.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

37 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any he has for the future development of the Shannon estuary including legislative proposals to establish a single port authority for the estuary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Five projects at a total estimated cost of £78 million have been put forward by Limerick Harbour Commissioners and harbour development plan at a cost of £19.6 million has been put forward by Foynes Harbour Trustees for consideration for EU aid under the National Development Plan, 1994-1999.

The present position in relation to these 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, in respect of 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. This process will be concluded as soon as possible. Final proposals will then have to be submitted to the EU for approval. Officials of the Department will be in touch with Limerick Harbour Commissioners, Foynes Harbour Trustees and all those who submitted port projects for consideration in the near future.

I have no plans to establish a single port authority for the Shannon Estuary. In line with the recommendations of the Commercial Harbours Review Group, the Harbours Bill, 1994, preparation of which is at an advanced stage, is providing for the establishment of separate port companies to manage and operate the ports of Foynes and Limerick-Shannon.
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