Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to address the future of fishermen in the south east following the decision of the High Court in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37069/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The High Court decision in question concerned a case taken by the owners of large trawlers that have used the North Wharf and Frank Cassin Wharf, which are owned by the Port of Waterford Company. The case was taken by the fishermen against the company.

The implications of the court judgment for the fishermen, including the location of alternative landing facilities, are primarily a matter for the fishermen concerned to address. There are several fishery harbours around the coast which may be available to them. It is part of the Department's policy to provide fishery harbour facilities for the fishing industry to the extent possible within the resources and funding available. As part of this policy the Department operates five fishery harbour centres and, with funding made available under the national development plan, seeks to enhance the infrastructure and efficiency at these facilities as well as other key fishery harbours.

The Port of Waterford Company is statutorily responsible, under the Harbours Acts 1996 to 2005, for the control, operation, management and development of its harbour. The company now provides its core facilities for ships and goods at Belview, County Kilkenny. In accordance with its statutory remit, the company has conducted a review of its non-core assets to determine the appropriateness of their retention in present circumstances. The North Quays is one of the company's principal non-core assets, and the company has contracted to sell this property in order to facilitate the ongoing development of the port. Vacant possession is one of the conditions of the contract for sale.