John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received correspondence (details supplied) of 21 September 2005; the reason no reply issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31133/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Government policy on the regional harbours as recently published in the ports policy statement is that the continued operation of the regional harbours under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance. The policy statement states that the regional harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership as many of the regional harbours have neither the resources nor the capability to comply with aspects of the code or practice for the governance of State bodies whereas their transfer to local authority control would bring improved corporate governance and allow the harbours to realise their amenity potential.

The ports policy statement drew on the review of State regional ports and harbours carried out by KPMG in 1999, which analysed trading, financial and governance issues at the harbours and recommended the transfer of certain regional harbours to local authority control. In accordance with Government policy, Sligo is designated for transfer to Sligo County Council.

This Department is working with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to facilitate the implementation of the ports policy statement in this regard. It is intended to make arrangements for the transfer of the designated regional harbours to their respective local authorities, where appropriate, and to proceed individually in conjunction with the relevant local authorities and the harbour authorities having regard to local requirements in each case.

Sligo harbour commissioners are very active in the number of property transfers they have proposed. The correspondence referred to in the question was received in the Department on 8 September 2005. An acknowledgement letter was issued in reply on 8 September 2005. The matter has been referred to the Valuation Office for a report. A response is awaited. A full reply will be issued to the correspondence in question when the valuation office advice has been received.

John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has signed a ministerial order in relation to the sale of property at Sligo harbour; if so, the negotiations that have taken place; if he will provide a copy of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31141/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Sligo harbour commissioners are very active in the number of property transfers they have proposed. I am unable to answer the Deputy's question as I do not have enough detail on what sale of property to which the Deputy refers. My officials have attempted to contact the Deputy to clarify this matter. If the Deputy wishes to resubmit the question in more detail I will be happy to answer it.