Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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679. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that there is very little commercial marine activity taking place in Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company in County Dublin, his views that it is appropriate that the company makes more money from car parking and property rental than it does from port business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25924/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Due to their location and historical development it is a common feature of many of our commercial ports that revenue streams accrue from other sources in addition to commercial shipping. The Deputy is fully aware of the fact that in recent years commercial shipping has been in decline in Dún Laoghaire harbour and that this year witnessed the complete cessation of the remaining Stena service, albeit that some welcome cruise activity occurs in summer months.

The Deputy has been repeatedly informed of my firm belief that the future of Dún Laoghaire harbour is best vested in a local authority led governance structure.

I was delighted to receive Government's approval last week for the Harbours Bill 2015 which will provide the legislative basis for that later transfer to more appropriate local authority led structures. I expect the Bill to commence its passage through the Oireachtas in July.