Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will explain to the Deputy from where TEN-T classification comes. The definition does not come from me, it comes from the European Union. There is a significant amount of legal and policy work done by the EU to define the criteria for a potential TEN-T port. I have sought to align the definitions in Ireland's legislation with the EU's definition of what constitutes a TEN-T port. However, the fundamental definition does not come from my Department or from the Government, it comes from the European Union. This is why Galway Port is not part of the TEN-T network and cannot apply for TEN-T funding. I am aware of the Galway Port board's views on this matter. The board raised the matter with me directly when I visited the port in the past 12 months. The board wants Galway Port to be upgraded because it believes it could then obtain access to TEN-T funding. However, the definition of a TEN-T port comes from the European Union not the Government. The only way a port can be classified as a TEN-T port or access TEN-T funding in the future is if the level of tonnage passing through it increases. If the level of tonnage passing through Galway Port increases, then there will be an opportunity to revisit the matter.