Mr. Ray Lawlor:

I will give a maximum tonnage in the view of a lay chairman. A shipping CEO or harbourmaster would say that it may vary from my figure and one must bear in mind that I have not been seated on the board since 2009. It is 4,500 tonnes.

I thank Deputy Walsh for his questions. He asked about the company's turnover, profitability and rental income. In 2009, when I finished my previous term, the company was not profitable and I do not believe the situation has improved since. For a number of years, it was breaking even. Turnover has declined since, largely due to fuel imports. There were two major fuel importers using the port and both have since moved their operations to Dublin Port.

The port has a number of sources of income - rental property, car parking income and income from services it provides to ships that enter the port. Deputy Walsh asked whether that situation would change. We discussed the fact we have always supported marine tourism initiatives in the estuary, but to date we have not entered into any marine tourism or leisure facility which generates income for the port, and it is something that, if appointed, I would like to look into. I do not believe a dividend has been paid, given the financial situation in the company.

On the role of New Ross Port following the port policy review, the board will have to look at the implications for it of that review and to work with staff and the Department on the future role of New Ross Port.