Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I am still on the question of consultation which is tough, but I must read it into the record because there is still a problem in that regard. Mr. O'Mahoney suggested that Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners should write to the Department before they would consider any amalgamation or partnership. The whole pier would have to be sorted out financially and the dredging done before any partnership. In other words, the chairman of Cork Port said that they would not have anything to do with Bantry if there were outstanding issues which cost money, such as building the pier extension or dredging. Reading between the lines, he was saying that they had no notion of spending Cork Port's money for Bantry's extensive plans.

At the same meeting, they also discussed the commitment to €1.9 million for the pier under the national development plan. Those were among the points raised at that important meeting. However, had more such meetings taken place, I would not be standing here today facing up to the issue again. This all concerns the process of consultation as referred to in the timely amendment tabled by my colleague, Senator Donohoe.

Subsequent to that meeting, on 8 July 2004, the then chairman of Bantry Port, Mr. Vivian O'Callaghan, wrote to Mr. Michael Guilfoyle, an assistant secretary at the then Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, at 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin. The letter states

Dear Mr. Guilfoyle,

In my capacity as Chairman of Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners, I had a recent meeting with the Chairman and some officers of the Port of Cork, with a view to discussing matters of mutual interest. At this meeting it emerged that you had recent discussions with the Port of Cork, concerning the possible amalgamation of the Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners and the Port of Cork. Needless to say this came as a bit of a surprise to me and the other members of my Board, who were present. Mr. Dermot O'Mahony, Chairman, Port of Cork, also advised that you had indicated that you proposed to come to Bantry to meet the members of my Board, that meeting occurring some time at the end of May.

This is important because the meeting never occurred and even though Cork Port knew about it, Bantry was not told. The letter continued as follows:

As this meeting has not taken place, I can only conclude that the discussion concerning the future of Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners is continuing without any input from my Board. As one who has served on the Board of Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners for over twenty-five years and am currently the Chairman, I find it quite remarkable that any of these suggestions should be discussed in the absence of an opportunity from my Board Members to have a serious input.

I feel I should also point out that the lifetime of this Board will conclude in October and I would suggest to you with great respect that you might avail of this opportunity to come to Bantry to discuss the matters raised above.

This was as clear as a letter can be about consultation, whether a lack of it or urging it. It is a notice to treat by the Bantry harbour board asking Cork Port to come to discuss this issue.