Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:135 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his future plans to develop the Shannon Estuary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17102/02]
Written Answers. - Port Development.
The Foynes Port Company and the Shannon Estuary Ports Company were amalgamated to form the Shannon Foynes Port Company on foot of the Harbours Acts, 1996 and 2000 (Transfer of Functions of Foynes Port Company and Shannon Estuary Ports Company) Order, 2000, in September 2000. The Shannon Foynes Port Company is statutorily responsible, under the Harbours Acts, for the management, control, operation and development of the harbour as a commercial State port company.
In relation to the development issue raised by the Deputy, I have sought a report in a matter from Shannon Foynes Port Company and I am advised as follows. The development of the Shannon Estuary has become a stated priority for a number of Government agencies and State-sponsored commercial bodies, including the Shannon Foynes Port Company. The Shannon Foynes Port Company anticipates being active on a routine and a vigorous basis in the co-ordination of the development strategies for the Shannon Estuary with the relevant local authorities, Shannon Development and IDA Ireland.
In addition to the ongoing pursuit of incremental tonnage using existing port facilities, a consortium has been formed between Shannon Development, Limerick City Council and Shannon Foynes Port Company with a view to examining the potential to redevelop a 235 hectare zone centred around the existing Ted Russell Docks at Limerick city. The consortium is to advertise for expressions of interest from economic and town planning consultants to submit a detailed strategic plan for the renewal of the area, one of the biggest and most valuable to become available for redevelopment in Ireland for many years. Emphasis will be placed on accommodation of existing port users and the economic viability of the strategy in the context of the Government's spatial planning objectives. Pending the outcome of detailed studies, Limerick will continue as a viable and thriving working port.
The Shannon Foynes Port Company is confident that a venture of this kind will attract international interest and it is determined to achieve the right balance between protecting the interests of port users and redeveloping areas no longer required for modern port operations.