Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey today announced a Harbours Bill that will allow port companies to invest outside their own harbours and the State.
In a statement, the Department of Transport said the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 will permit the 10 State port companies to pursue a "robust commercial agenda" and boost the commercial mandate given to them by Government in the Harbours Act, 1996.
Commenting on the Bill, Mr Dempsey said it will help the 10 State port companies to grow and develop their businesses into the future. "Notwithstanding the current economic slowdown the port authorities should continue to plan for growth in the medium and long term."
The Bill's new provision on alteration of existing harbour limits of port companies is to facilitate the proposed port development at Bremore, Co Dublin, and other potential port plans.
The number of directors on a port company board is being cut from 12 to eight, with the intention that one local authority member be appointed from among the Minister’s statutory nominees.
There are also provisions to facilitate greater flexibility for port companies to borrow to fund additional port capacity, and functions relating to the compulsory acquisition of land by port companies will be moved from the Minister for Transport to An Bord Pleanála.
