Dublin Port has welcomed the Minister for the Marine's initiative on reviewing port management, which may mean Dublin and Dún Laoghaire being merged. Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent, reports.
The proposed merger is one of a series of recommendations in the High Level Review of the State Commercial Ports, published last week by Mr Ahern. The review also recommends mergers of Cork and Bantry and Galway and Rossaveal (the latter being a fishery harbour).
It says Rosslare Harbour, owned by Iarnród Éireann, should become a State commercial port, and it recommends that the practice of appointing port users, local councillors and those "without relevant experience" should cease immediately.
The review and a separate Port Estates Task Force report were released simultaneously by the Minister, but he has decided to initiate a further round of consultation. He has outlined his views in a statement, proposing privatisation and also the appointment of a regulator or ombudsman.
The privatisation option has been criticised by the Labour Party's marine spokesman, Mr Tommy Broughan, who has said this is against the advice of the review consultants who say they are "hesitant" about recommending "the opening up of port ownership to the private sector"
Dublin Port's chief executive Mr Enda Connellan said the review was "timely", given the changed environment for port operators. He added that Dublin Port welcomed the Minister's call for consultation and debate.
The Minister has also proposed appointing a regulator or ombudsman for ports to ensure fair competition. But the consultants' study describes the appointment of a ports' regulator as "premature".
