Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Port Charges.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

142 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns expressed at the implications of the increases of up to 300% he has sanctioned in entry and landing charges at five ports here; if he will review the increases in view of the serious difficulties that are likely to be created for port users and particularly for the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22037/03]

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

Revised charges were introduced in respect of the five fishery harbour centres – Howth, Rossaveel, Castletownbere, Killybegs and Dunmore East – with effect from 1 October 2003. Details of the revised charges are set out in the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates and Charges) Order 2003, SI No. 439 of 2003.

The harbours operate under the Fishery Harbour Centres Acts 1968 to 1998. The Act requires the harbours to fully meet their costs from rates, tolls and other charges. The charges at fishery harbour centres were last increased in 1990. The 2002 draft accounts for the harbours show an operating deficit of €544,990 and the accumulated deficit stands at €1.2 million.

The proposed charges were published on 21 May 2003 with a statutory consultation period of 21 days, which ended on 10 June 2003. Prior to publication, the charges were advised to the representatives of the main fishing organisations at a meeting on 20 May 2003. A subsequent meeting was held in July with representatives of the harbours and the industry.

Without a significant increase in income the deficit was set to rise rapidly as staff and other operating costs are increasing and the good management of the harbours requires increased operating expenditure. It is important to point out that the Exchequer totally subvents the capital costs for developing the harbours under the fishery harbours development programme. This programme cost the Exchequer €30 million in 2003.

I have listened to the concerns raised by various representative organisations and individuals during the public consultation process and have made substantial modifications to the original proposal. The bottom line, however, is that the fund must be self-financing, without further recourse to the Exchequer.