Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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1320. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to publish the order to transfer the ownership of Galway Port to the local authority; if there will be local consultation on the order once published; his further plans to discuss this proposed order with the local Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas before publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19530/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Harbours Act 2015 provides ​the necessary legislative basis to allow for the transfer of Ports of Regional Significance, including Galway Port, to local authority control. The future governance and operational structures of the port are primarily matters for agreement between the Council and the port company. The decision on the model of transfer will be informed by the due diligence process which is being carried out by the local authority. When the due diligence is completed, I expect progress will be made towards finalising the model, timeline and preparations for transfer. An Order will be then be drafted. In accordance with the Harbours Act 2015, the transfer of the port company to the local authority will be effected by Ministerial Order with the prior consent and signature of both the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.