John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Transport if, with regard to the Shannon Foynes Port Company upcoming strategic review of its property and land portfolio, the Government have input into the study; if the Government have to approve plans before they go ahead as the outcome of the review could involve selling off property and land assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13648/06]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Shannon Foynes Port Company is a State-owned company established under the Harbours Act 1996. The Act provides that the principal objects of the company include the provision of such facilities, services and lands in its harbour for ships, goods and passengers as it considers necessary.

The company is required to take all proper measures for the management, control, operation and development of its harbour. Decisions regarding the use of the land within the port estate are a matter for the port company and its board, in the first instance. On 15 March 2006, Shannon Foynes Port Company announced that it is conducting a strategic review of its property portfolio, which could result in a major expansion and upgrade of its facilities in the Shannon Estuary at a cost of over €100 million.

The company projects significant increases in its volume of trade over the coming years and investment in new modern facilities that can handle bigger ships is required to accommodate this growth in trade. Whatever the conclusions of this review, the company has said it will continue to work in partnership with other stakeholders in the region.

More generally, a process is underway in my Department to examine future port capacity requirements at a national level, particularly for unitised trade. The ports have been invited by advisors working for the Department to make detailed project submissions regarding their development plans.

These submissions have recently been received, including one from Shannon Foynes Port Company, and are currently being evaluated. It is intended to finalise a report over the coming months.