Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It seems that what I feared is likely to happen. In 1999, when the KPMG report was produced, the harbour board and the facilities were in a totally different place. Huge progress has been made since then, so the KPMG report is 14 years out of date. I argued that at length with the former Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey, as the Cathaoirleach will know.

The amendment to the 2009 Act was made following four and a half hours of haggling in the Seanad when I persuaded the former Minister of State, Mr. Noel Ahern, to agree to a public consultation with the people of Bantry. I am not happy with the way things are progressing. If matters proceed as they are going, with no autonomy for the existing harbour board or proper controls in Bantry, more harm will be caused. Somewhere down the line, a successor to the Minister will be reminded that a huge mistake was made in giving control to Cork port, which has a different agenda. It has no interest in tourism, small fishermen, aquaculture, traditional diving, marine related sports or Garinish Island. There is tunnel vision in this regard.

This development was steered before the Minister's time. I resented it and fought it.