Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Charges for the use of facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres are currently levied by virtue of the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates & Charges) Order 2003. Each Fishery Harbour Centre is regarded as the Local Competent Authority and is required to have a fee structure in place so that all ships calling to port are required to contribute significantly to the provision of port reception facilities in the port, whether any particular ship avails of facilities or not. This obligation to pay charges for disposal of waste ensures that waste is not dumped at sea in an effort to reduce harbour charges.

The requirements for management of waste are directed by EC Directive 2000/59/EC on port reception facilities for ship generated waste and cargo residues. Port Waste Management Plans are in place at each of the Fishery Harbour Centres and are revised to reflect the requirements of the Department of Transport. However my Department has recently conducted a review of the 2003 Order and a draft new Rates & Charges Order. The new draft Order was the subject of a public consultation process that closed on 20th April last, and I am pleased to note that my Department has received a total of 87 submissions in relation to the revised charges, from a wide range of stakeholders in the Fishery Harbour Centres. These submissions are being given careful consideration at present, and when the examination is complete I will, if necessary, make any appropriate amendments.