Mr. John Mullins:

I am familiar with infrastructure in regional locations across the country and the importance of community engagement, which is vital here. The Minister is minded to go through a consultation process on Bantry being amalgamated with the Port of Cork and we are at the start of that process. As incoming chairman, I am more than willing, and I know CEO Brendan Keating is more than willing, to meet with local concerns and the existing harbour commissioners to ensure that whatever happens, Bantry does not suffer in that transfer.

From my perspective, infrastructure enhancement for further cruise traffic into west Cork is vitally important for tourism in the region. That will be part of the agenda that will be up for discussion, although clearly I do not want to get into that discussion now. As I engage with Deputy Harrington and Senator O'Donovan from the region, I will listen to what they have to say and be mindful of putting in a place a construct that meets all requirements.