Don't forget that each regional wharf is used to full capacity. If you close one, the neighbouring wharf will not have sufficient infrastructure or space to accommodate a higher number of vessels. So closing one wharf and expanding one elsewhere is not really a solution. There are no savings to be had by doing that. I think we must opt for repairs and good wharf maintenance. We would not be in this situation if maintenance had been carried out on a regular basis. But now, major investments will have to be made to maintain the infrastructure which is indispensable for the economy of each region.
On April 18th, 2008. See this statement in context.