Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 542: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the 2011 report of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Irish Maritime Development Office on renewable energy opportunities; his plans to implement the recommendations of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29677/11]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 562: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make funding available in 2012 for port development along the east coast in order to facilitate the renewable energy opportunities outlined in the 2011 report of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Irish Maritime Development Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29675/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 542 and 562 together.

The report referred to by the Deputy provides a very useful overview of the port and shipping services currently available in Ireland to support the development of the offshore energy sector. However, it also highlights that the sector is at an early stage of development and faces considerable challenges.

I welcome the proactive approach already being taken in this area by a number of the Irish ports around the coast.

The State owned port companies are expected to fund themselves on a commercial basis. The policy going back to 2005 has been that infrastructure developments in the ports should be funded either through the companies own resources, or in conjunction with private sector partners. It is unlikely that this position will change for the foreseeable future, particularly in the current budgetary climate.

My Department is at the final stage of a review of national ports policy. This review will cover all aspects of current policy, including the issue of funding. I hope to publish a revised policy statement in the coming months.