Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 145: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will amend the Harbours Act 1996 to facilitate the development of Bremore Port; if he will provide an update on proposals to relocate Dublin Port and on any property developments in the Dublin Port area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3415/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has prepared the heads of a Harbours Bill to support further implementation of national ports policy and to update existing legislation, the main body of which dates from 1996. The Bill will, inter alia, facilitate development of a proposed new port facility at Bremore in Fingal County.

This week I have received Government approval for the drafting of the Bill, which will now be referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for that purpose. I intend to pursue enactment of the Bill at the earliest opportunity.

The National Development Plan provides for a comprehensive study of the role of Dublin Port, taking account of locational considerations, in the context of overall ports policy on the island of Ireland, wider transport policy, urban development policy, the National Spatial Strategy and national economic policy.

My Department is in the process of initiating this study and is liaising closely with Dublin City Council and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in this regard.