Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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593. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for Drogheda Port, in the context of the upcoming harbours (amendment) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27553/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​The Harbours Bill 2015 was published on 1st July.

The Deputy is aware that Drogheda Port Company is designated as a Port of Regional Significance under National Ports Policy and therefore in common with the other Ports of Regional Significance, control of the company will be vested in more appropriate local authority led governance structures.

The Bill provides the legal platform for this policy position and will allow for a later Ministerial Order to effect the actual transfer.

As reflected in National Ports Policy and confirmed by consultations to date with stakeholders, Drogheda Port Company will transfer to the control of Louth County Council through a transfer of the current Ministerial shareholding in the company to the local authority. That method of transfer also allows for the local authority to consider in the future the possibility of greater private sector involvement in the company, subject to the consent of elected members and relevant Ministers.