Written Answers. - Port Development.
Dick Roche
Ceist:
114
Mr. Roche
asked the
Minister for the Marine
and Natural Resources the progress, if any, made on the proposals to create an additional east coast ro-ro freight and passenger terminal; if Arklow port has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22670/99]
The development of any additional ro-ro freight and passenger terminal facilities along the east coast is a matter for the port authority in the first instance. I have not received any proposals for such a development from Arklow harbour commissioners, nor has any interest been expressed to my Department by the private sector and in particular, shipping companies. Such dedicated facilities must of course be demand driven and not simply displace existing capacity at the major ro-ro and passenger seaports.
As the Deputy may be aware, I recently published a major independent review of the State's 16 commercial regional ports and harbours, which includes Arklow Port.
The review develops a general strategic framework for the ports and harbours concerned which aims to maximise their financial sustainability, their contribution to strategic maritime policy objectives and socio-economic impacts.
Following publication of the report I initiated a full consultative process. While I am aware that the consultants met and took on board the views of relevant interests, including those of the port authorities and management and other interested State, tourism and local commercial development bodies, I believe that it is essential that all stakeholders and interests are given an opportunity to comment on the recommendations which emerged from the review in advance of any decisions being made.
On conclusion of the consultative process, I will be bringing fully costed and developed proposals to Government for consideration including determinations on the most appropriate and beneficial operational-management structures for each regional port.
The recommendation in the review in relation to Arklow is that the harbour commissioners be offered the opportunity to make a case for themselves to become a commercial State company. The commissioners have been requested to make such a case and present a plan showing how they can cater for the requirements of corporatisation.
A key recommendation of the regional ports study is that all newly constituted ports should prepare some form of integrated development plan involving consultation, which will bring together aspects of economic, social, physical and environmental development policies that will direct the future of the port.
On foot of a request from Arklow harbour commissioners which I received last week, I have approved funding up to a maximum of £20,000 to assist the commissioners in the preparation of a fully integrated development plan. All future development possibilities including the facilities mentioned by the Deputy can be considered in that context and in particular the financial viability and sustainability of such developments.
