Control over ports to change hands under plan

RESPONSIBILITY for the country’s ports is to be transferred from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the Department of Transport as part of yesterday’s 10-year transport plan.

Transport Minister, Martin Cullen has responsibility for all road, rail and air transport facilities but is denied any input into how sea transport services are run and legislated for.

Announcing the move yesterday, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the switch in responsibilities was aimed at maximising the integration of strategies across all transport sectors including ports.