Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
875. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement that has taken place between his Department and the Port of Waterford Company over the past year with a view to generating new business and effecting infrastructural improvements within the port. [12872/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Port of Waterford Company is a State owned commercial company and as such my Department has no involvement in the day to day operations of the company. The Company is directly responsible for its own marketing strategies.
Officials from my Department meet regularly with all port authorities, including Waterford, to discuss business and governance issues. The Port of Waterford is actively seeking new business opportunities and is in regular contact with Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford County Councils and neighbouring ports to promote an integrated approach to business opportunities in the region. The port has a good relationship with Rosslare port and the two ports have recently commissioned consultants to examine the feasibility of developing a Cruise Strategy for the region.
The port has commenced the process of developing a Masterplan and has completed preliminary stage surveys and hydrodynamic modelling in this regard. The Masterplan will involve widespread consultation with key stakeholders.
The plan will help identify key issues such as future infrastructural requirements that will enable the medium to long-term development of the port.
