Ports Merger

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2014

Thursday, 13 November 2014

Ceisteanna (245)

Michael McCarthy

Ceist:

245. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the amalgamation of the Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners into the Port of Cork Company; his plans to promote and develop Bantry Bay Harbour with the aim of maximising Bantry's potential as a tourist hub for west Cork; if he will provide assurances that the port will be developed in line with approved plans (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43616/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Bantry Bay Harbour transferred to the Port of Cork Company on the 1st of January 2014. The Port of Cork Company have established a subsidiary company, the Bantry Bay Port Company Limited, to manage the harbour. The Port of Cork Company is responsible for the funding and timing of future development work at Bantry Bay Harbour.

Prior to the transfer, the Port of Cork Company conducted a due diligence exercise at Bantry Bay Harbour that identified the urgent remedial works required. Funding was then allocated in respect of urgent remedial works which are due to commence shortly.

In addition, the port submitted a revised proposal to my Department in respect of the inner harbour development project which involved a revision of the phasing of the project referred to by the Deputy. The urgent port related remedial works are the immediate priority and the first phase of development in the inner harbour, which is supported by my Department.

The promotion and development of Bantry Bay as a tourist hub for West Cork is a matter for Fáilte Ireland.