Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to publish the revised ports policy; if he will elaborate on the main themes which will feature in the document; if he will outline the role which the Port of Cork will have under the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44935/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The review of national ports policy is currently at a very advanced stage and I expect that it will be completed very shortly.

I have previously stated my view that the existing policy requires revision to ensure that all of our ports are provided with an appropriate development framework, reflective of their particular circumstances as well as their current role and future potential from a national freight facilitation perspective. The new policy will therefore seek to provide all of our ports with a policy framework that will allow for their future development in a manner that best suits their individual circumstances.

The Port of Cork handles approximately 19% of all seaborne trade in the State and offers services in both the unitised and bulk market sectors. It is clearly therefore an integral part of our commercial port network and an important facilitator of trade from both a national and regional perspective. This will be recognised within the new ports policy.