asked the Minister for Transport the steps he proposes to take to set up an estuarial authority for the Shannon.

18.

asked the Minister for Transport the results of his recent discussions with the three harbour authorities in the Shannon Estuary; and the prospects of establishing one authority for the estuary.

(Cavan-Monaghan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 18 together.

On 9 November 1981 I had preliminary discussions with the chairmen and other representatives of Limerick Harbour Commissioners, Foynes Harbour Trustees and Kilrush Harbour Authority, the three main harbour authorities directly concerned, about the question of establishing a Shannon estuarial authority. Representatives of the Mid-West Regional Development Organisation were also present.

In the course of those discussions I expressed my belief that the general development of the Shannon Estuary could most effectively be achieved by the establishment of a single ports authority with control over the entire waters of the estuary. To proceed in this way would facilitate future planning and development and would be of considerable help to local interests in promoting the estuary as a suitable location for large scale industrial projects. It would also effectively deal with the question of jurisdiction which could become a very difficult problem in the Shannon Estuary.

I am pleased to be able to say that the outcome of the meeting was that the three harbour authorities agreed to resume their discussions, under the chairmanship of Mr. R.B. Haslam, chairman of the executive committee of the Mid-West Regional Development Organisation, with a view to submitting to me within three months agreed proposals, if possible, for the establishment of a Shannon estuarial authority or, failing agreement, an indication of any area of disagreement.

It would be my intention to introduce as soon as possible the necessary legislation for the establishment of a single ports authority for the Shannon Estuary and I am hopeful that it will be possible to proceed on the basis of an agreed approach by the harbour authorities concerned.

Does the Minister intend, if there is no agreement between the three authorities, to proceed with legislation in any event?

(Cavan-Monaghan): As the Deputy is aware that was the approach of this party when in Government previously and it is still our view. I do not think there is any great difference between the Deputy and the Minister on this. I hope agreement will be found. If not I hope they tell the Minister where they disagree. An effort will be made then to reach agreement.

My question was whether it was intended if they do not agree — we all hope they do — to proceed to legislate.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I am sure the Minister will consider the position in those circumstances.

Is the Minister aware that delaying tactics are being used to prevent the coming together of this authority and that it stems from the fact that vested interests from other areas are preventing the much-needed development of a proper harbour on the west coast?

(Cavan-Monaghan): The Deputy is hard to satisfy. It appears to me that Deputy O'Malley is reasonably satisfied with this and he is directly concerned with it. The Deputy may not know that a Bill was introduced in 1977 to deal with this matter and broadly to give implementation to the creation of a single harbour authority there, but it fell with the general election of 1977. It was not reactivated by the last Government and the Minister has now taken steps to get the thing going again. I do not think the Deputy should complain.