Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Transport the role he envisages for himself in the implementation of ports policy and specifically in ensuring this island has sufficient capacity to allow for the growth of imports and exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24350/07]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the recent concerns expressed by business and exporter interests regarding the lack of capacity in ports here and international ports; the impact that these capacity constraints will have on exporters and importers; the steps his Department has taken to address these matters in the context of their impact on trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19316/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.

The most recent capacity study carried out by my Department indicates that Irish ports are well positioned to supply sufficient capacity to serve the growing demand. Carried out in 2005/2006, the study concluded, inter alia, that: There is currently significant available capacity for further growth in LoLo traffic at Irish ports; Current available capacity for RoRo traffic also exists, although less so than in the case of LoLo. The study demonstrated that the projects being progressed by the ports sector have the potential to deliver adequate capacity going forward, in line with the established policy.

I believe that our key commercial ports are well positioned to continue to function efficiently as vital economic gateways to the rest of the world. My Department is continuing to actively monitor the capacity situation and has recently received update reports from the seven ports that made submissions as part of the study. I am encouraged by the fact that the ports continue to make significant progress with their proposals.

With regard to capacity at international ports, it is true to say that Ireland relies heavily on the European hub ports such as Antwerp and Rotterdam. Capacity is being increased at these and other trans-shipment ports. The healthy competition that exists for port services in the EU should deliver adequate capacity to serve our needs. The Irish Maritime Development Office, which advises my Department on these matters, keeps in close contact with relevant international developments.