Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has for Waterford Port; if he plans to sell sections of the port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5029/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Port of Waterford Company operates under the Harbours Acts 1996 and 2000. Under the Acts, the primary function of the company is the management, control, operation and development of its harbour, ensuring that its revenue is sufficient to meet its expenditure. In the light of this statutory requirement, the company informs me that it has been conducting a review of its non-core assets to determine the appropriateness of their retention in present circumstances.

The company provides its core facilities for ships and goods at Belview, County Kilkenny. Accordingly, the property at the north quays in Waterford is one of the company's principal non-core assets. It offered the north quays for sale by public tender process, which concluded on 3 February 2005. I understand a contract for sale has now been made and completion of the sale will take place in accordance with the contract.

The company has also offered for sale by public tender a pier at Ballyhack, County Wexford. However the sale has been deferred for one month to allow Wexford County Council an opportunity to consider its position in regard to the property.