Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Transport the proposed plans and options available to Kinsale Harbour Commissioners in relation to its future; the funding which will be made available towards its development plans to Adams Quay and otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9910/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for Kinsale Harbour has transferred from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the Department of Transport with effect from 1 January 2006.

The Government's ports policy statement, which was launched in January 2005, states that the continued operation of many of the regional harbours under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance.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 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 would be considered. 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.

Kinsale Harbour is a candidate for transfer to local authority control. As the harbour is 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 the harbour for transfer. This report has been received and is currently being assessed.

Adams Quay is a fishery facility within Kinsale Harbour. The question of any funding for the development of Adams Quay would be a matter for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, through the fishery harbour development programme.