Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Harbour Authorities.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

117 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the implications of the closure of IFI for the port at Arklow, County Wicklow; his plans to assist in the viability of the port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22444/02]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

I am aware of the very serious financial implications for the Arklow Harbour Commissioners of the closure of IFI. The harbour commissioners inform me that approximately 90% of the business of the harbour related to the import and export of goods for IFI and they do not believe that this business can be replaced in the short-term.

I have requested officials of my Department to meet with the harbour commissioners to assess the current situation and in the context of regional ports policy to transfer all harbours currently operating under the Harbours Act, 1946, including Arklow to local control, and to report back to me as soon as possible.

Specifically, I have directed my officers to assess fully, in conjunction with the harbour authority, the current and future financial viability of the harbour operations, and establish what the focus of harbour activity should be in the future, operating on a strict commercial basis and having regard to the significant marine leisure developments completed recently, future potential for marine leisure and other marine related developments, as well as the ongoing provision of berthage and facilities for the seafishing industry.