Mr. David McGarry:

Such a decision on diversification would need ministerial approval. We have been very focused for the past ten years as a port company, independent or not, on working with the Department to prioritise the phenomenal long-term opportunity. This takes time and patience. It requires making the right contacts, communicating the right information and directing operations effectively. It is not about just trying to run a port day to day. A longer term strategy of trying to direct, co-ordinate, contribute and influence is essential to bring this to life.

We are only five years away from having a very significant asset in Foynes Island, in Foynes itself, that can untap the floating offshore wind energy industry and within the next ten years, wind turbines will be in the water off the west coast and will be generating electricity. That is our focus. The question of taking over other ports has never come up at a board meeting or in any discussions in which we are involved. We are very much about developing the Shannon Estuary and that is our statutory focus and responsibility.