Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dublin Port Developments.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

47 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the expected amount of Government support by way of investment and grants in Dublin port over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7911/98]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

As the Deputy may be aware, Dublin Port Company was one of eight port authorities vested as a commercial semi-state company in March, 1997 under the Harbours Act, 1996. The new Dublin Port Company now operates as a statutory independent commercial enterprise with a mandate to manage and operate the port to the highest standards of efficiency and cost competitiveness.

The investment programme 1994-1999 for Dublin Port of some £36 million is being co-financed, through my Department, by the EU from the Operational Programme for Transport, the Ireland/Wales Maritime INTERREG Community Initiative and the Cohesion Fund.

At this stage it is not possible to forecast what EU funding, if any will be available for ports investments beyond 1999.

The Deputy should be aware that in October, 1997 a national seaport capacity study was commissioned by my Department. A comprehensive physical inventory of existing seaport capacity, including Dublin Port, was undertaken. The consultants' report is expected to be finalised shortly. The report will pinpoint future requirements for seaport capacity and infrastructure and strategic and regional ports.

The study's findings will also inform policy decisions on the development and maintenance of adequate infrastructural capacity at strategic Irish ports (including Dublin) to cope with increasing volumes of tourism and trade and underpin future development plans to deliver that capacity.