The Harbours Act 2015 provides the legislative basis for one of the key recommendations in National Ports Policy, namely that governance of the five Ports of Regional Significance should vest in more appropriate local authority led governance structures. Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, as a Port of Regional Significance, is designated under the policy for transfer to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has procured consultants to conduct the due diligence of the port company. While the procurement and management of the due diligence process is a matter for the Council, I understand that the process is almost complete.
I also understand that Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have established two transitional teams which are working on the practical issues associated with the transfer.
When the due diligence process is completed, I expect that substantial progress will be made towards finalising the preparations for transfer and the timing of the transfer.