Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to speak to amendments Nos. 2, 28 and 29. I am specifically speaking to the Harbours Bill and not the An Bord Pleanála planning application, as I strongly believe that An Bord Pleanála is an independent planning entity which, thankfully, will make its determination independent of elected representatives, especially given planning corruption in the past. Whatever decision An Bord Pleanála makes, it will be important for elected representatives to make their views knows regarding the borrowing of money from the European Investment Bank to finance any projects if planning permission is given and also regarding the safety of the harbour for which the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has overarching responsibility. I also have concerns about developments in the harbour. I will be following up on these if planning permission is granted.

I understand that elected councillors in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are concerned over which option is regarded for our lovely harbour. Is it correct that due diligence is being undertaken in respect of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company? What is the Minister's view of what should happen after due diligence? Who will decide which option is chosen? Will it be the local authority members or the chief executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council? When will these decisions be made locally?

Am I correct in my understanding that if the option to dissolve the harbour company is chosen, all liabilities, pensions and salaries of the harbour company employees will be transferred into the local authority? If the revenue stream from Dún Laoghaire Harbour is not sustainable, will it need to be resourced directly from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council? If Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company is losing money, does the Minister envisage the local property tax would be used to fund the harbour's commercial liabilities, especially if the income into the harbour does not cover costs, pensions and salaries?

What new specific oversight functions will the Bill allow for? Can we be assured there will be financial accountability under the mandatory review after three years that the Minister mentioned earlier? I understand that under the current regime audited accounts are furnished annually to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. What will be different as a result of the Bill? Will elected local authority members be provided with these accounts annually? Will the Oireachtas joint committee be able to call any future chairperson or CEO before the committee? Am I correct in stating that this Harbours Bill will actually strengthen the oversight of accounts and annual returns?

As a Deputy for Dún Laoghaire, I am deeply aware that the port is one of our greatest assets and therefore I want the very best for our port and our county. I have received a number of representations and have raised many of the issues here today.

What are the benefits of giving the two options the Minister has given in the Bill, rather than, at this stage, choosing the option of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company coming under the direct management of the elected councillors?

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