Throughout the country, there are only three sites that have UNESCO world heritage status, namely, Brú na Bóinne, the Giant's Causeway and Sceilg Mhichíl. Dún Laoghaire Harbour is a site of particular significance, nationally and internationally in the context of the role that it has played in the history of this country. It is a Victorian harbour that has seen the emigration of tens of thousands of Irish people to the United Kingdom. It is a harbour that has, unfortunately, benefited from very little investment in recent years, particularly during the lifetime of the harbour company, and it is in disrepair in real terms. Has the time now come to invest in Dún Laoghaire Harbour, not just in terms of its physical infrastructure, but its future by recognising it as a world heritage site and seeking to have it added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites?

It is a laudable objective to be listed as a UNESCO site. That might not mean the level of investment that the Deputy envisages, however, as it could have other implications in terms of investment. I will talk to the Minister. Is the application under way?

No.

There has not been an application. There are others seeking UNESCO status at the moment. My first advice is to get the process in place to apply. The port has all sorts of historical and literary contexts that are quite unique in themselves. The first process, I think, would be to organise an application. I will talk to the Minister for culture and heritage.