Denis O'Donovan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of Baltimore Harbour; if there are proposals that the local authority would take over the harbour board; his plans to have an amalgamation of Baltimore Harbour Board with the Cork Port Authority; and if it is proposed to provide financial support to allow Baltimore Harbour Board continue as an independent board. [8397/06]

Denis O'Donovan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of Kinsale Harbour; if there are proposals that the local authority would take over the harbour board; his further plans to have an amalgamation of Kinsale Harbour Board with the Cork Port Authority; and if it is proposed to provide financial support to allow Kinsale Harbour Board continue as an independent board. [8398/06]

Denis O'Donovan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of Bantry Harbour; if there are proposals that the local authority would take over the harbour board; his further plans to have an amalgamation of Bantry Harbour Board with the Cork Port Authority; and if it is proposed to provide financial support to allow Bantry Harbour Board to continue as an independent board. [8399/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 to 157, inclusive, together.

The Government's ports policy statement, which was launched in January 2005, states the continued operation of many of the regional harbours under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance. The policy statement reiterated the view that most of these harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership or, where this is not possible, sale to the private sector. In harbours where significant commercial traffic exists consideration will be given to bringing them under the control of a port company.

The Department is working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to advance the implementation of the ports policy statement with regard to 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 harbour authorities, having regard to local requirements in each case.

Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour and Kinsale Harbour are both candidates for transfer to local authority control. As they are situated in the functional area of Cork County Council, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government requested the council to undertake an overall assessment of the potential of both harbours for transfer. This report has now been received and is currently being assessed.

With regard to Bantry Bay, this harbour still has significant commercial traffic, in particular oil tankers using the Whiddy Island oil storage facilities. However, the level of business associated with the harbour would not be such as to justify the establishment of a separate port company under the Harbours Act 1996. In view of this, my Department is of the view that the best way forward for Bantry Bay Harbour is some form of amalgamation with the Port of Cork Company. This would help the future development of the harbour by giving it access to the best regional port management expertise and marketing skills. A due diligence process is currently underway between Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners and the Port of Cork Company to progress the matter.