Vol. 489 No. 3
35 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, there are to have one group of pilots operate in Waterford and New Ross ports; his views on whether this arrangement would be vehemently opposed by the Waterford pilots; and if he will ensure that consultations will take place in the event of a proposal of this nature. [7804/98]
In 1997 an expert group comprising representatives of Waterford Harbour Commissioners, New Ross Port Company, officials of my Department and an independent marine consultant reviewed and reported on the organisation of pilotage in the Waterford Estuary.
A key recommendation of the group was that from an organisational and deployment of resources perspective, a single pilotage authority would be the best option for the estuary. The group also recommended that a combined management committee representative of both port authorities would, in consultation with the pilots concerned, address the economic, human and other resource implications arising from the establishment of a single pilotage service as well as preparing detailed cost projections. The primary remit of the management committee is to determine the safest, most efficient and cost effective organisation and administration of the pilotage area.
I have recently requested Waterford Harbour Commissioners and New Ross Port Company to actively pursue the expert group's recommendations on pilotage in the Waterford Estuary over a timescale consistent with its recommendations.
I look forward to receiving a joint report in the matter as soon as possible.
