John Perry
Ceist:172 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans regarding correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30802/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 26 October 2005
Ceisteanna (98)
Freagraí scríofa
Government policy in relation to the regional harbours as recently published in the ports policy statement is that the continued operation of the regional harbours under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance.
The policy statement states that the regional harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership as many of the regional harbours have neither the resources nor the capability to comply with aspects of the code of practice for the governance of State bodies whereas their transfer to local authority control would bring improved corporate governance and allow the harbours to realise their amenity potential.
The ports policy statement drew on the review of State regional ports and harbours, carried out by KPMG in 1999, which analysed trading, financial and governance issues at the harbours and recommended the transfer of certain regional harbours to local authority control. In accordance with Government policy Sligo is designated for transfer to Sligo County Council.
This Department is working with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to facilitate the implementation of the ports policy statement in this regard. It is intended to make arrangements for the transfer of the designated regional harbours to their respective local authorities, where appropriate, and to proceed individually in conjunction with the relevant local authorities and the harbour authorities having regard to local requirements in each case.
Sligo Harbour Commissioners are very active in the number of property transfers they have proposed. This Department has forwarded the correspondence received on this matter to the Valuation Office for a report.