Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 464: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress which has been made in relation to the consultancy report of a company (details supplied) on unitised sea freight; the rationale for this study; the cost of this study; when same will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6860/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The rationale for the study referred to by the Deputy is outlined in the Government's ports policy statement, published in January 2005. The policy statement aims to better equip the port sector and its stakeholders to meet national and regional capacity and service needs. One of the key challenges that lies ahead is the provision of adequate in-time port capacity, particularly for unitised trade. The policy statement sets out a framework to ensure that capacity needs are identified, planned and progressed in a co-ordinated manner.

In September 2005 the Department appointed a firm of consultants expert in this field, Fisher Associates, to inter alia invite detailed project submissions from the commercial ports and evaluate those submissions. As part of this process the Department expects that the ports currently handling unitised trade will shortly be making submissions to Fisher Associates.

The purpose of this process is to satisfy the Government that the anticipated capacity requirement to 2014 and beyond can be efficiently and adequately met through the successful advancement and implementation by the port sector of some combination of the projects. The anticipated total cost of the study is €140,075 including VAT and expenses. It is envisaged that the final report of Fisher Associates will be finalised before the summer.