Minister of Transport, Noel Dempsey, T.D., today announced funding in excess of €3.5 million for remedial works at certain regional harbours.
Speaking today, Minister Dempsey said: "I am pleased to announce that the Government is continuing to provide much needed funding for essential works at regional harbours in 2010.
For over 5 years now, the Department has been funding essential works at the regional harbours to protect their fabric. The resources available for expenditure on regional harbours have been concentrated on essential remedial works pending the transfer of the harbours to local control.
The Government's Ports Policy Statement, indicated that the continued operation of the regional harbours under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 was unsustainable on the grounds of good governance. The Policy Statement reiterated the view that most harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local control.
"The transfer of these harbours will pave the way for their potential, including amenity and leisure value, to be fully realised."
Seven out of 13 regional harbours have transferred, six to local authorities and one was designated a fisheries centre in 2007.
The Minister concluded: "My Department will continue to take an interest in the harbours following the transfers and I would hope to continue funding for essential works at the relevant regional harbours into the future subject, of course, to overall budgetary parameters."
ENDS
Further information:
Department of Transport Press Office: (01) 604 1090 / (01) 604 1091.
Note to the Editor:
The following is the list of Harbours:
- Arklow
- Baltimore & Skibbereen
- Bantry Bay
- Kinsale
- Sligo
- Wexford