I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 114 and 118 together.
Policy in relation to the regional harbours such as Arklow, as published in the Ports Policy Statement in 2005, is that their continued operation under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act, 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance.
The Policy Statement reiterated the view that most of these harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership. The Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to advance the implementation of this aspect of the Ports Policy Statement.
For over three years now, my Department has been funding essential works to protect the fabric of the regional harbours, including Arklow, at an average cost of approximately €4m per annum in total pending the transfer of the harbours to local control. This Department is considering with the Arklow Harbour Commissioners the current position regarding harbour rates.