Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
100. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the transfer of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25416/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) is designated under National Ports Policy 2013 to transfer to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo) and the process is still ongoing.
The Chief Executive of DLRCoCo undertook due diligence of the port company in preparation for transfer and presented her report to the Council on 9 January 2017. As the report raised a number of further issues for clarification, the CE engaged a financial consultant to carry out a risk assessment to enable the Council to fully understand the implications of the two different models of transfer and the responsibility that will transfer in financial and other terms. The CE presented the risk assessment report to the Council at a Special Meeting held on 6 March 2018. At that meeting the CE and the Council concluded that the most appropriate method of transfer for the company is the transfer and dissolution method.
I subsequently advised the Council in writing that my preferred model of transfer is the transfer and dissolution model for DLHC. When the transfer takes place, the company will be dissolved and all assets, employees and liabilities will transfer to the Council. I understand that the main issue now outstanding relates to remedial works in the harbour and how those works will be funded. My Department has been informed that there is no immediate Health and Safety issue with any pier in Dun Laoghaire harbour.
National Ports Policy clearly states that there is no Exchequer funding for any port company. It is normal procedure in port companies to prioritise engineering and remedial works and to phase those works and the funding to undertake those works, over a period of time (immediate, medium and long term). In addition Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) has a substantial asset which will transfer to the Council.
My officials are currently in touch with officials in the Department Housing, Planning and Local Government to finalise issues outstanding.
