Written Answers. - Harbours and Piers.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:
107
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
his views on the urgent need to repair and extend the main pier in Kinsale, County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to the proposal to develop Adam's Quay to facilitate the fishing fleet; and if he will provide the necessary funding to the harbour board to enable these projects to be completed.
[22464/98]
I can confirm that I received a copy of the development plan prepared by Kinsale Harbour Commissioners in May 1998 and that I am fully aware of the proposals contained therein.
The Deputy should be aware that I have recently commissioned a major independent review of the State's regional ports and harbours, including Kinsale Harbour, in fulfilment of the commitments given under the Government's programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium and Partnership 2000. The 16 State ports and harbours covered by the review range from those with busy commercial traffic to others which cater for a mix of uses including sea fishing and marine leisure.
The review will develop a general strategic framwork for these ports and harbours which will aim to maximise their financial sustainability, their contribution to strategic maritime policy objectives and socio-economic impacts. The final report will recommend generic and port/harbour related models and options which will best deliver the objectives of the strategic framework. Consultation with the relevant port/harbour authorities, including Kinsale Harbour Commissioners, is provided for in the consultant's terms of reference and will include assessment of the Commissioner's development plans which will be taken into account fully.
At the outset I do not wish to pre-empt in any way the deliberations and work of the independent consultants appointed. It is, however, my intention to publish the study findings and I expect the consultants to report back by February next.
I view the Regional Ports Study as a timely and valuable opportunity to take a critical look at all the ports and harbours still operating under the statutory remit laid down by the Harbours Act, 1946. My intention is to put in place long-term coherent and sustainable development plans for all the regional ports, including Kinsale, to maximise the benefit of the valuable State port assests to the local economies and coastal communities.
The study does not rule out or commit to any future sustainable development or ownership option and will together with a recently completed national seaport capacity study inform future investment decisions particularly in the context of the new national plan and the next round of EU Structural Funds.
