Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2004
262 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of funding from his Department which has been invested into any part of Waterford Port, New Ross Port and Rosslare Euro Port in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3362/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the five year period, 1999 to date, funding of €18.165 million, comprising both Exchequer and EU funding, has been provided by my Department for investment in port infrastructure, facilities and equipment at the ports of New Ross, Waterford and Rosslare. Included in this figure is €7.5 million Exchequer funding to the Port of Waterford Company in respect of its European Investment Bank loan repayments. The following table sets out the breakdown of the funding by port and programme.
|
Port |
Cohesion Fund €'000 |
Operational Programme for Transport 1994-1999 €'000 |
Ireland/Wales INTERREG Programme €'000 |
Seaports Measure of the National Development Plan €'000 |
European Investment Bank Repayments |
Total €'000 |
|
New Ross |
— |
1.488 |
2.666 |
— |
— |
4.154 |
|
Rosslare |
0.403 |
— |
1.234 |
— |
— |
1.637 |
|
Waterford |
0.933 |
0.893 |
— |
3.048 |
7.500 |
12.374 |
|
Total |
1.336 |
2.381 |
3.900 |
3.048 |
7.500 |
18.165 |
263 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to sell off part of Waterford Port; the plans he has for the existing fishing boats docked at any part of the port which might be sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3363/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra264 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the efforts being made to provide alternative accommodation for large trawlers which have used the north wharf and Frank Cassin wharf in Waterford on a regular basis over many years during inclement weather; if provision will be made for the fishermen concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3404/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 together.
The Port of Waterford Company operates under the Harbours Acts 1996 and 2000. Under the Acts, the primary function of the company is the management, control, operation and development of its harbour, while ensuring that its revenues are sufficient to meet its expenditures. In light of this statutory requirement, the company informs me that it has been conducting a review of its non-core assets to determine the appropriateness of their retention in present circumstances.
The company now provides its core facilities for ships and goods at Belview in County Kilkenny. Accordingly, the property at the north quays is one of the company's principal non-core assets. I am informed that the company is taking the preparatory steps necessary in order to be in a position to offer the property for sale. I understand that discussions are ongoing between the port company and the fishermen regarding alternative facilities within the harbour for the fishing vessels currently docking at the north quay. This is a matter for the port company and the fishermen.
