Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding proposals for the development of a port (details supplied); the way he envisages two ports operating together; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7624/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The primary objective of national ports policy is to provide a framework for the provision of port services, which are efficient, effective and adequate for the needs of our trading economy. A Port Policy Review is currently underway. A public consultation took place last year on future ports policy and my Department is considering the submissions received. Encouraging competitive conditions both within and between ports is an important part of this policy framework. There are currently ten State commercial port companies established under the Harbours Acts. These ten companies operate independently of each other, and each is responsible for the future development of its own port.

The most recent analysis of national port capacity was conducted in 2009 as part of the Dublin Port National Development Plan Study. In the medium to long term the Study concluded that traffic growth will be such that significant additional port capacity will be required by 2025-30, in particular for the Greater Dublin Area. The Regional Planning Guidelines for the GDA 2010-2022 reflect this finding. Both ports mentioned in the Deputy's question continue to plan for their future development.

Drogheda Port Company, together with its private sector partners, are continuing to progress plans to develop a new deep-water port at Bremore. Dublin Port Company has recently announced the commencement of a public consultation to help develop a masterplan for the port's future development. It is my view that both port companies should be in competition with each other for existing business and new growth.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 439: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has been briefed by Dublin Port on its new plans to expand the port's capacity; his views on the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7625/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I attended the recent launch of the public consultation on a masterplan for the port. Once completed, the masterplan will outline the company's vision for the development of the port over the next 30 years. I very much welcome this initiative being taken by the company and would encourage all stakeholders to engage constructively in the process. It is in line with international best practice and is consistent with efforts to improve integrated transport planning more generally. It is an important method for facilitating the engagement of local communities and other stakeholders in the long term planning of port developments. I would encourage the Deputy to contribute to this process.

Port master-planning and the future development of port capacity will be addressed as part of the current Port Policy Review. A public consultation took place last year on future ports policy and my Department is considering the submissions received.