Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
134. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of Stena Line's withdrawal of its service to Dún Laoghaire, and the subsequent announcement of the abandonment of a plan for a national diaspora centre, his views on developing a sustainable strategy for Dún Laoghaire Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9880/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI share everyone’s disappointment at the recent announcement by Stena to centralise all Dublin ferry operations through Dublin Port. While the Dún Laoghaire service has been greatly reduced in recent years the financial impact on the port is significant and challenging and it is clear that the company faces a very different financial and operating environment.
In announcing the decision to allow for a community led approach toward the development of local Diaspora Centres, I was clear that the decision not to go ahead with a National Diaspora Centre as a State-backed project does not preclude any other proposal, which is financially robust, from going ahead, and I am aware that Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company has plans in this regard.
Currently the statutory responsibility for the development of Dún Laoghaire harbour vests in the Board of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company and I recently met with the full Board to discuss their views on the future. The Board is currently finalising a revised corporate plan which I expect to receive shortly for consideration and comment and which will greatly inform our overall strategic consideration of the issues facing the company and the harbour generally.
I am clear that, in line with National Ports Policy, the sustainable development of the harbour is best placed within a local authority led governance structure. As part of this, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council will shortly commence a due diligence process, which, together with the company’s own corporate plan, will greatly assist in our strategic consideration of relevant issues.
My officials are currently finalising the text of the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2015. I expect to seek Government approval of the Bill in the coming months and commence its passage through the Oireachtas. The Bill will provide the legal basis for the process outlined above.
