Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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211. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to update the national ports policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52895/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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National Ports Policy provides the overarching policy framework for the governance and future development of Ireland’s state port network. The responsiveness and competitiveness of Ireland's maritime transport industry are underpinned by National Ports Policy 2013. It has helped foster competition between ports and ensure minimal barriers to entry for shipping companies seeking to enter the Irish market.

Over the last eight years since Government approved the National Ports Policy in 2013, the broad objectives outlined in the policy have been achieved. Ports have been categorized in order of National Significance, a move that helped to unlock EU funding for our Tier 1 ports. The policy gave our ports a clear direction, placing their role firmly within the planning hierarchy and encouraged ports to develop master plans. National Ports Policy 2013, and subsequently the Harbours Act 2015, facilitated the transfer of the five ports of regional significance

The national and international environment for which the 2013 policy was developed has changed fundamentally. As Minister, I recognise that a new approach is needed to assist our ports with the environmental, technological, demographic, and geopolitical challenges of the next decade and beyond. My Department will commence a review of National Ports Policy by the end of 2021 with the aim of producing an Issues Paper for public consultation early in 2022.