Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I welcome the fact that he will not apply the Bill's provisions to Galway for 18 months, a development of which I was aware. My concern is that decisions which are made now, without seeing the realisation of our very ambitious plans in Galway Port, would limit, hinder and disadvantage the growth of the port. As Senator Barrett outlined, Galway Port is now back in profit. The figure of €456,000 is not to be scoffed at, given the significant challenges around the port size and the ships that can and cannot come in. However, we have plans and I ask the Minister to enable the port to grow. I understand the 18-month grace period is part of that but the port has to work with other processes also such as An Bord Pleanála so our hands are tied in that respect. Based on his point about the TEN-T funding and it being an independent process and EU based, etc., could the Minister clarify if a tier 3 report qualifies for such funding?