In line with National Ports Policy (NPP), the commercial ports sector does not receive Exchequer funding. This includes the Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) – Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes – and (Tier 2) - Waterford and Rosslare, which fund their operations and capital investments from their own resources.
In accordance with NPP and the provisions of the Harbours Act 2015, four Ports of Regional Significance have transferred to Local Authority Control.
Wicklow Port Company transferred to Wicklow County Council on 30 August 2016. Drogheda Port Company’s shareholding was transferred to Louth County Council on 2 October 2017. Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company transferred to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on the 3 October 2018. New Ross Port Company transferred to Wexford County Council on 1 August 2019.
Galway Harbour is designated for transfer to Galway City Council and it is expected that the transfer will proceed in 2020.
Each Local Authority conducted due diligence in advance of taking over the relevant port and the Department provided funding of up to a maximum of €30,000 to each Local Authority toward the due diligence.
Local Authority
|
Payment
|
Date
|
Wicklow County Council
|
€30,000
|
October 2015
|
Louth County Council
|
€30,000
|
December 2015
|
Galway City Council
|
€30,000
|
December 2015
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
|
€18,450
€11,550
|
January 2016
April 2016
|
Wexford County Council
|
€30,000
|
December 2016
|