John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Transport the situation with regard to the future of Bantry Harbour and the harbour board; if there is a timeframe in place for any such plan; if his attention has been drawn to local feeling; if the issue will go before Bantry Town Council before a decision is taken; his views on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8482/07]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Ports Policy Statement, published in January 2005, states that the continued operation of the regional harbours under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance.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, 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.

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 believes that the best way forward for Bantry Bay Harbour is some form of amalgamation with the Port of Cork Company. The precise details of the amalgamation will have to be worked out in conjunction with the various parties in due course and will not be finalised without first consulting further with local interests. Both I and Minister Cullen have met with delegations from the Commissioners over the past year.