Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank our witnesses for their attendance and particularly for the presentations we got to read yesterday. I would not have known an awful lot of it, and it is fascinating. It is very new to somebody like me but it is fascinating. Given the witnesses' appearances today, I have confidence regarding the delivery of plans because there is an authority they give off with regard to the delivery, as well as their passion for it.

My question is a little bit provocative, and it is for Mr. O'Connell from Dublin Port. Many moons ago, when I was a councillor on Meath County Council, we were given presentations with regard to the then ambitious plans to move Dublin Port further out of the city, and to the north east. It never happened. I do not know what happened in the background but I am conscious that the current Minister for Transport has made, probably not just soundings but more than soundings, to say he is not happy with Dublin Port's delivery and current plans, insofar as that it is going too fast, not that there is anything wrong with the delivery. Is it possible for Mr. O'Connell to comment on the Minister's comments, particularly with regard to his plans to use the land for housing, as opposed to developing the port, which are Dublin Port's ambitions? More importantly, can I ask Mr. O'Connell if the Minister's views change Dublin Port's plans, and the timelines and roadmaps it has? Does it delay them in any way, or is there a need for an intervention on the part of the political system to try to find a landing zone which suits everybody?