Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. I have not specifically contacted my UK counterpart in relation to the ownership of Rosslare Europort. The Deputy is aware that Rosslare Europort is unique among State-owned ports as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts but, rather, is operated as a division of Iarnród Éireann. Technically the port forms part of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours Company which is a 19th century joint venture company currently comprising Iarnród Éireann on the Irish side and Stena Line on the Fishguard side in Wales. Each partner is wholly responsible for its own area of operations and liable for financial liabilities and profits associated with its part of the company but the overarching company structure still exists.

The status of the port and whether that potentially inhibits its development was most recently considered in a strategic review commissioned by my Department and carried out by Indecon economic consultants. The report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult because of the port's complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.

Iarnród Éireann's engaged consultants to assess market interest in order to assist in its consideration of how best to move the matter forward. The assessment was largely positive in terms of the potential for increased private sector investment in the port but identified possible implementation issues due to the complicated legislative basis of the port. Following the assessment, my Department sought and received detailed advice from the Office of the Attorney General on the matter which identified a number of legal issues with any such proposal. Those issues remain under consideration by my Department.

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