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

I am very clear that the future of Dún Laoghaire Harbour is best placed within a local authority led governance structure as set out in the national ports policy. My officials are currently finalising the text of the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2015. The Bill will provide the legal basis for the transfer by ministerial orders of the five designated ports of regional significance, which are Drogheda, Dún Laoghaire, Galway, New Ross and Wicklow.  I expect shortly to seek Government approval of the Bill and to commence its passage through the Oireachtas.

The Bill is designed to provide maximum legislative flexibility and will allow for either a transfer to the local authority of the ministerial shareholding in a particular company or a transfer of all assets, liabilities and employees of the port company to the local authority and the dissolution of that company's corporate structure. Ahead of the Bill’s enactment, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will carry out a full due diligence of the harbour company. I look forward to the completion of that process and receipt of its findings and the council’s perspective thereon.

Obviously, the optimal manner of transfer is one which finds broad based consensus and agreement between all parties. I am committed to working with both the company and the council to ensure the sustainable future of the harbour.

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