David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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228. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deepen the ports of Waterford or Rosslare; if a feasibility study has been done regarding costs and benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47417/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Port of Waterford operates as an independent commercial company under the Harbours Acts and the planning of infrastructural requirements is an operational matter for the port.

I am aware that Waterford Port is in the process of developing a Masterplan to meet the future trading needs of the Port. That plan will inform whether there will be a requirement for deepening the channel or otherwise. As the Port of Waterford does not receive any State funding, any such work must be funded from the port’s own resources.

Rosslare Europort is unique among the State owned ports as it is not a company operating under the Harbours Acts, but is instead operated as a division of Iarnród Éireann and any plans to deepen the port to allow larger ships to dock or otherwise is an operational matter for the port and Iarnród Éireann.

I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's questions to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.