FG secures crucial measures for ports and harbours across Ireland

Senator Donohoe improves flawed Govt Bill

Fine Gael has secured crucial changes to new laws on ports and harbours in the Seanad  which will ensure that local interests are taken into account in future plans for the facilities. The Party’s Seanad Transport Spokesman, Senator Paschal Donohoe has secured two amendments to the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 before it is passed on to the Dáil.

“Fine Gael been successful in getting two vital changes made to the new Harbours Bill which will ensure that local interests are taken into account in future plans for all of Ireland’s ports and harbours.

“Junior Minister Noel Ahern accepted my two proposals that:    

 changes to ports or harbours must be consistent with local city or county development plans;
 And the need for public consultation in any changes has been placed on a statutory footing.

“However, I do not accept that there is any need to amalgamate ports or harbour in the immediate future. And I remain very concerned that the Government is still seeking to reduce the role of local representatives on port and harbour authorities, in yet another attack on local democracy.“As a maritime nation, Ireland’s ports are vital for commerce, fishing and travel as well as the burgeoning marine tourism sector. Fine Gael will continue to fight for the interests of our ports in order to ensure their long term future.”