Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

Dún Laoghaire Harbour is owned and operated by a commercial State company. The primary responsibility for the development of the harbour lies with the company, on behalf of the State. The company is unique among the ten State port companies in that, while its main income stream is still from commercial shipping, the harbour is also the State's largest marine leisure amenity. In addition, the harbour is an important maritime heritage site and is host to what is reputed to be the nation's most popular walk. The company successfully manages these multiple roles and continues to invest in the amenity value of the harbour.

The company is currently in the process of preparing a master plan for the future development of the harbour. I welcome this initiative, which is in line with international best practice for the medium to long-term planning of ports and harbours. I encourage the many stakeholders in the harbour to participate positively in this process.

The business is facing a substantial reduction in its commercial shipping revenue this year. It has been preparing for this eventuality for the last number of years by pursuing a twin strategy of developing alternative income streams from marine leisure and tourism related business, while also reducing its cost base.

Following a public consultation on national ports policy last year, it is my intention to publish a revised ports policy document later this year. This will provide a renewed policy framework for any future decisions on individual ports, such as Dún Laoghaire.

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