KERRY County Council has rescinded a decision to support the creation of a unified ports authority for the Shannon Estuary and will now ask Minister for Transport Mr. Cooney to establish a separate authority for the Kerry side of the estuary.

But angry words were spoken at Monday's Council meeting in Tralee before a vote was taken to make the decision. Senator Dan Kiely has been the prime mover on the Council to get the decision on the Shannon changed, but he was sharply told by Mrs. Kit Ahern at the meeting, "I have done as much for Kerry over the last 20 years, as any Dan Kiely or anyone".

However, the likelihood of the Minister agreeing to the Kerry request is slim. In a letter before the councillors, they were told that the Minister felt that the most effective development of the Shannon could be achieved by a single ports authority.

The Minister has had talks with the three existing port authorities – Foynes, Kilrush and Limerick. These authorities are continuing to talk about possible agreement on the Shannon and will produce a joint report which will also list disagreements, if any.

The letter said that on receipt of this report the Minister plans to proceed with arrangements to establish one port authority for the Shannon.

At that stage Mr. Cooney will seek the view of Kerry County Council and other bodies concerned. "I am very disappointed that a representative from Kerry County Council was not on this working committee" said Senator Kiely.

He said he felt Kerry already had a harbour authority and went on to claim that he had proof of this. He produced a receipt book for dues collected by the Council in respect of ships using facilities on the Kerry side of the Shannon.

The last entry in this was in respect of July 14 1984.

"I feel Limerick have no authority over our part of the water", said Senator Kiely, who declared. "We have £170,000 paid out at Tarbert last year to keep fellows sitting in Limerick on their butts".

He was supported by Senator Tom Fitzgerald. But Mrs. Aherne pointed out that as far back as 1967 it was decided, when the Foynes Harbour Authority wanted to extend its jurisdiction, that there should be only one authority in the estuary.

There was no political hassle about this, she said. Senator John Blennerhassett said that the Minister had met a deputation comprising of Deputies Denis Foley, Michael Moynihan, Dick Spring, Tom Mcellistrim.

Fitzgerald and himself Deputy Michael Begley was not available and although he looked around for Senator Kiely he wasn't there.

At this, Senator Kiely stood up and disagreed, saying he spoke in the Senate that day.

Senator Blennerhassett: "I looked all over the House for him".

Senator Kiely: "You gave me a half an hour's notice."

Deputy Moynihan said that everyone wanted to see the best job of work done for Kerry. Next year the Minister was going ahead with the establishment of one port authority and Kerry had an important assurance from the Minister – that they would be adequately represented in any discussions leading up to this legislation.

Before the vote was taken on the matter the last word went to Senator Kiely, who warned: "Anyone who will vote against this will live to regret it over the years."

His warning was greeted with laughter by some of the members.

Those who voted to rescind the decision to support the creation of a unified ports authority were: Noel Brassil, James Courtney, P.J. Cronin, Tom Fitzgerald, Tom Fleming, Denis Foley, Paudie Fuller, Dan Kiely, Christy Mcsweeney, Mick O'connell and Eamonn Walsh.

Those who voted against: Kit Ahern, John Blennerhassett, Michael O'connor-scarteen, Paudie O'connor, Dan Kissane and Michael Moynihan.