Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. It has been interesting to note the different perspectives on the heads of the Bill and the impact the proposals could have on the areas in which the witnesses or their organisations operate. The Bill does not reinvent the wheel. Under the Harbours Acts of 1946, which will be repealed by the legislation, and 1996, some 13 regional harbours transferred to local authorities. The closest port to me, which is in Bantry Bay, recently transferred to the Port of Cork. Have representatives of Dún-Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council met their counterparts in the local authorities that assumed control of these 13 harbours to discuss technical issues, funding, corporate governance, etc.? Such an approach could serve as a useful, if minor, guide to the potential impact of the Bill.

I have read the regulatory impact assessment. The latest figures show that Dún-Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council incurred a significant net loss in 2012, having recorded a profit in 2010 and a smaller loss in 2011. Is the council concerned that this trend may continue and, if so, how will it be addressed?

Export companies, as the customers and users of the port companies, are very important. They have an interest in how the ports operate in terms of efficiency, competition and their bottom line. Are Mr. McKeever and Mr. Mangan concerned that the proposed realignment of the ports will have a negative impact in terms of decreasing inter-port and intra-port competition? If a port is not competitive, it will not be used by importers and exporters. Has an assessment been done in this regard or are exporters waiting to see how the proposals are implemented?