Billy Timmins
Ceist:283 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of Wicklow and Arklow ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6282/03]
Written Answers - Port Development.
Wicklow Port Company was corporatised on 10 May 2002 as a commercial State port company operating under the Harbours Act 1996. In accordance with the Act, Wicklow Port Company is statutorily responsible for the control, operation, management and development of the port and required to operate in accordance with a strict commercial mandate.
Arklow Harbour operates under the Harbours Act 1946 with Arklow Harbour Commissioners being the responsible authority for the management, control and operation of the harbour.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Local Government, is currently examining the position on future ownership-management of harbours operating under the Harbours Act 1946, including Arklow Harbour with a view towards their transfer of harbours to local authority control, as provided for in the Harbours Act 1996.