Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Denis O'Donovan for raising the matter. I know he has a deep interest in this ferry service and has spoken about it before. The Swansea Cork Ferries Company suspended its service in 2007. I can fully appreciate the concerns that have been expressed in the region in response to this development.

I understand a number of interested parties and stakeholders have been in discussions with the Port of Cork Company about the possibility of commencing a new passenger and freight service out of the port. The Port of Cork carried out a commercial examination of the route, which indicates that subject to procuring a suitable vessel, the service could be feasible on a year-round basis. The Port of Cork Company will do what it can to facilitate the resumption of the service.

It is important that the market offers a diverse range of maritime links in and out of the State. This is vital to facilitate trade and tourism. I hope that the efforts being made will show that the service is commercially viable and that it can be resumed as soon as possible.

There are some other general points regarding recent developments in the maritime sector. The Department of Transport has responsibility for national ports policy, which provides a framework for the provision of commercial port infrastructure and services that are efficient, effective and adequate for the needs of our trading economy. In addition, the Minister for Transport is the primary shareholder, as the Senator knows, in the ten State-owned port companies, including the Port of Cork Company. However, he has no role in the day-to-day operational matters of the company.

The principal objectives of Port of Cork Company are to take all proper measures for the management, control, operation and development of its harbour. Current policy is to require the ports to operate commercially, without Exchequer support, and to provide adequate in-time capacity for the future needs of the economy. I am aware there has been great disappointment in Cork lately with the recent decision of An Bord Pleanála on the Oyster Bank project, which left many people surprised.

Senator O'Donovan's matter is basically concerned with the ferry service and I hope the talks under way will bring about a positive result. I note the Senator's concerns and I will speak to the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, further about the matter.