Mr. Barry O'Connell:

I thank the Deputy for his questions. I met representatives of the cruise industry a couple of weeks ago and they asked the same question. We provide berthage for approximately 35 to 40 cruise ships per annum. In fact, we had one in yesterday and the day before. They tend to be small to medium in size because the reality is we cannot accommodate the large ships, and there are no plans to do so. We do not have the capacity to offer them berthage, given the depth of water, the quays they would require and the demand on those from our large lo-lo ships from Europe. I believe large cruisers are mooring off Dún Laoghaire, with passengers being shunted across to the mainland.

Regarding barges, we are in contact with the Department, which is considering a similar scheme. Barges could potentially be accommodated further down on Sir John Rogerson's Quay.

We have some jurisdiction down there and are working to see if we can make that happen. I do not know the detail behind it other than that the Department has examined it and we are co-operating with it.