Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Mullins for his presentation. It is clear he has the energy and drive to take on this role. I have no objection to his joining the ranks of the merchant princes of Cork in his new role and wish him well in that regard.

There are proposals to relocate the harbour's activity and we heard An Bord Pleanála had decided adversely on the previous proposal. Is Mr. Mullins confident he can get this through now?

The various stakeholders, residents and so forth, are being consulted. One of the main grounds for refusing the previous proposal was the absence of a railway line in the port. It is highly unlikely that this issue will be resolved to the satisfaction of An Bord Pleanála any time soon given the moneys available for investment. At the time the planning application was refused, I questioned the need for a railway line on the basis that only a small volume of freight is moved by rail. The company depends heavily on the proposed relocation if it is to achieve Cork Harbour's potential for growth. I ask Mr. Mullins to expand a little on the work the Port of Cork has done on this issue.

I have a number of standard questions. Is Mr. Mullins or has he ever been a member of a political party? Has he ever sought electoral office?