Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Transport the status of implementing the aspect of the ports policy statement regarding transfer of harbours, particularly Arklow Harbour, to the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40856/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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There are nine regional harbours, which are State assets managed under the Harbours Act 1946 by a harbour authority composed of commissioners whose duties include the management, control, maintenance and operation of the harbour.

Policy in relation to the regional harbours, as published in the Ports Policy Statement in 2005, is that their continued operation under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance and that most of these harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership. Where it is not possible to reach agreement on transfer to local authorities, the option of sale of the harbours will be considered. In harbours where significant commercial traffic exists, consideration will be given to bringing such harbours under the control of a port company.

Four harbour authorities (Annagassan, Dingle, Sligo and River Moy) have already ceased to exist in accordance with the above policy and the harbours concerned have been transferred to relevant local authorities. In addition, Dingle has been designated as a Fisheries Harbour Centre.

For over three years now, my Department has been funding remedial works at the regional harbours, including Arklow, at an average cost of approximately €4m per annum pending the transfer of the harbours to local control.

As there is no longer any significant commercial traffic at Arklow Harbour, it is scheduled for transfer to local authority control in due course.