Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Kinsale Harbour Commissioners wish to remain independent; and the position in this regard arising from the Government's Ports Policy. [7056/07]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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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 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, through 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.

My 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. Kinsale Harbour Commissioners have in the past indicated to my Department a preference that their existing status be preserved, but as outlined above, this status is viewed as unsustainable on the grounds of good governance.

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 assessment is currently under consideration.