Mr. David McGarry:

I will ask him to write to the committee with factual information.

The LNG project is not going ahead. The owners of the project have put the site up for sale but in the longer term we will need sources of energy and energy security needs to be protected by the State so LNG will have a role. This part of the estuary is ideal in terms of location and Moneypoint and Tarbert are in the area, apart from which the lands of Ballylongford are very suited to this type of activity. I am sure it will be looked at again. The board of the port is monitoring the situation. It is not going ahead at the moment but there is potential to look at it again in the future. I will develop it with the board in due course.

Deputy Troy asked about becoming chairman-designate. The post was advertised through the State boards. I had to apply and went through a rigorous process. My application was assessed and I went through one formal interview at which I had to give a detailed presentation and face detailed questions. It was a proper interview, very structured and professional. My credentials were submitted in a CV and a covering letter and this was followed by the interview. I had to explain my suitability for the role, as well as my interest in and motivation for the position.

As regards the marine industry, I understand that Iarnród Éireann may not have the resources to develop the rail line but there are indications that there would be demand from the marketplace to move materials along the reopened rail line. Once there is demand from the marketplace there is always a solution for funding it. If Iarnród Éireann is not in a position to fund it as owner of the line, I would hope the marketplace would be in a position to do so, perhaps in a joint venture or a public private partnership with the port.