John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Just a quick observation from the meetings Mr. Whelan has had so far with customers, etc., I note the figures and the challenges that have been pointed out here by members, namely the drop in traffic and turnover since 2006.

On the basis of Mr. Whelan's earlier observations, would he say that was more to do with the difficulties in the economy rather than the infrastructure or lack thereof around the port, or was it a combination of both?

As other speakers noted, we have heard a great deal in recent years about the potential for growth in the cruise ship market and the business that market brings to towns, cities and regions. Is there a requirement for a significant infrastructural upgrade to facilitate expansion in that regard at Waterford?