Mr. Barry O'Connell:

In regard to the first question on the capacity of the port, we are constrained by the size of the site. We have 265 ha. We make good use of those 265 ha. We are probably the most efficient port in Europe on the basis of average throughput. However, there are plans for three significant infrastructural projects as part of our Dublin Port Masterplan 2040 framework. One of those is on the verge of being completed as is. That is the Alexandra Basin project, which will strengthen our quay walls and deepen berths in order to facilitate larger vessels. We will then launch our MP2 project, which will also provide additional capacity in terms of berths and on the land side. Last but not least, our third and final master project is about to go to planning. That will take in the region of another five or ten years, and will develop the south side of the port to allow for additional ro-ro and lo-lo facilities. When all that infrastructure is combined, we should be in a position where we could potentially double our capacity between now and 2040. Our efficiency, which is very good at the moment, is going to have to continue to improve. To some extent, it is down to digitisation. I will not repeat what Mr. Carr said in regard to the movement of traffic. We are also looking at that. However, it will also require a rethink of the entire supply chain. We can be very efficient in the port. Unless the supply chain is able and willing to transport products to and from the port on an almost 24-7 basis, however, those products will be stuck in the port. It is a function of the entire supply chain.

The beauty of Dublin Port Masterplan 2040 is that it is a clear guiding line for us in the context of what we need to develop. There is also a downside in that it gives the impression perhaps that we will not run into capacity issues until 2040. In reality, we have capacity pinch points now because our volumes continue to increase. We are carrying out major construction works within the confines of the port, so we need that capacity. Our capacity does not allow for 20% of our volume being allocated to State lands. These are creating pinch points for us now, so we need the construction to go as planned. We need to take time to stand back and look at the land allocated to dealing with developments resulting from Brexit. We also need to look at efficiency. The latter is another element of digitisation to which Mr. Carr alluded. I refer to the amalgamation of State services and those of the terminal operators. The processing of freight can happen significantly faster than is currently the case. We are at the very early stage of investigating that matter. It should be something that would get State services and ourselves together. The other interested parties will want to make sure that happens. Otherwise, we will find ourselves at a competitive disadvantage relative to our neighbours.