Brian O'Shea
Ceist:153 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he has for the development of Belview Port, Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16941/01]
Written Answers. - Port Development.
Under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, 58.4 million or £46 million, 45.7 million or £36 million under the southern and eastern regional operational programme and 12.7 million or £10 million under the Border, midland and western regional operational programme has been allocated for investment in the commercial seaports sector. In broad terms this funding will be available under two sub-measures for, first, investment in new infrastructure; upgrading existing infrastructure; improvement of capacity utilisation; development and strengthening of intermodal connections; and, second, providing assistance for those regional ports and harbours which will disengage from commercial cargo-transport activities by assisting the transition to alternative uses.
These sub-measures will between them maximise the use of existing facilities and infrastructure and ensure sufficient new infrastructure is added as demand grows. The specific objectives of the measure are to: address capacity deficiencies identified particularly in the ro-ro and lo-lo sectors which would inhibit growth over the period of the plan; ensure adequate port facilities are available in regional ports to handle trade in their natural hinterlands thereby supporting local industries dependent on them and contributing towards a more balanced geographical distribution of economic activity; maximise the use of existing assets by removing institutional constraints and by the application of information technology with the capability of increasing the effective capacity of existing facilities; co-ordinate port investments with intermodal investments under non-port measures; continue the trend of reductions in port charges in order to improve the productivity and competitiveness of ports and of industries dependent on ports; keep to a minimum the additional costs, including externalities, which port operations give rise to, for example, congestion and environmental impacts generally.
Applications for funding have been invited from promoters of seaports investment projects in the public and private sector and the closing date for receipt of proposals is 18 June, 2001. Applications for funding will follow departmental guidelines for promoters of seaport investment projects and provide detailed project description and project rationale. Projects will be analysed, by independent consultants commissioned by my Department, against rigorous economic, financial and operational criteria.
Project selection criteria will include the following: contribution of project to the measure objectives; financial viability and commercial appraisal, as appropriate; previous investment experience; complementarity with other measures-programmes; impact on competition-levels of service and charges in the port sector; impact on the environment; contribution to regional development; impact on equality – project promoters at a minimum must compile gender disaggregated statistics appropriate to the project concerned.
As the Deputy will be aware the Port of Waterford Company has been statutorily responsible under the Harbours Act, 1996 for the management, control, operation and development of the port as a commercial State company since it was corporatised on the 11 January 1999. The Port of Waterford Company is currently finalising a detailed application for funding under the national development plan for a wide range of infrastructural and development projects. The projects will contribute to the overall improvement and enhancement of the facilities at the port.
My Department has been advised by the company that the developments proposed will include lo-lo, ro-ro, bulk and storage facilities, a bulk liquids terminal, port access improvements as well as a conservancy vessel and enhanced safety management systems.