Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is another example of what happens when Dublin sneezes, the rest of the country gets a cold. I welcome the opportunity for this informed discussion with the witnesses. When the news was breaking, I thought the problem was that there was only one access route to Cobh, namely, the Fota Road. It was a matter of concern for a former county council colleague, John Mulvihill. Now we see what the problem is and the impact it will have. I have been to Cobh when some of the big cruise liners came to Cork. It is remarkable, spreading good news to the hinterland and towns such as Blarney and Midleton. The coaches can canvas for the passengers to travel on and they venture out to the historic sites and the distilleries.

Most of my questions have been answered. I can safely say from what I have heard that Dublin Port reacted too late to the threat of Brexit. We saw the Government fast-track emergency legislation through the Dáil last March, on foot of the prospect of a no-deal Brexit. I understand the witnesses had not been forewarned about the expansion programme in Dublin Port. We can safely say that Brexit is being used as the issue. If there is a proper Brexit deal, we might keep the cruise ships performing. I think they can work hand in hand.

What is the health and safety record of the cruise liners coming into Dublin Port? Have there been major incidents with cargo ships? Must the cruise liners vacate their location to facilitate the roll-on-roll-off ferries to get the cargo from Dublin straight down to mainland Europe? Other Deputies have mentioned that Rosslare Europort should have been upgraded. I see that the Port of Cork is opening up access from Cork to Santander in Spain. My concern is that when Dublin is in trouble, we all suffer. I am sorry to see that happening. I had hoped that Cobh would get extra cruise liners when Dublin Port was not able to facilitate them.