Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this important Bill. I wish to discuss with the Minister of State the broader role of our ports as part of the development of the Irish economy. I draw his attention to Foynes and the Shannon Estuary in west Limerick and the opportunities that exist for the development of port-related facilities. There exists a marvellous opportunity to develop the Shannon Estuary as one of the main ports servicing north European shipping and transhipping industries.

I was a member of the Foynes harbour trustees, a body that was the forerunner of the Shannon Estuary and Foynes authority. We examined in great detail plans for the development of a transhipment port in the Shannon Estuary. The depth of water in the estuary would facilitate this. In the port of Foynes, ships with capacities in excess of 30,000 tonnes can be facilitated. Vessels with capacities of up to 40,000 tonnes have moored in the port on several occasions. Further down the estuary the water is deeper and it has been determined that, within two to three miles of Foynes, ships with capacities of 80,000 to 90,000 or larger can be accommodated.

We need a planned approach to the development of our sea ports in the context of the development of the economy. However, we must also take into account the development of the European economy and take the opportunity to develop our ports in that context. Not only must we do so in a European context, we must also develop them in a global context. As a result of our maritime tradition and our involvement in commercial shipping, we must offer services to shipping from across the globe. I put it to the Minister of State that the greatest opportunity to develop in both a European and global context lies in the Shannon Estuary. My assertion is borne out by the many reports advanced during a 20-year period, all of which highlight the advantages that would be gained from the development of a transhipment facility in the estuary.

It is stating the obvious to say that Foynes on the Shannon Estuary is the closest European port to the east coast of the USA. It is considerably closer to that country than Scottish and British ports. From an international point of view, that fact may not be recognised. The proximity of the Shannon Estuary and Foynes to the US is a good marketing point which should be promoted.

The research conducted by the former trustees and the Shannon Foynes Port Company indicates that there is a potential market for 70,000 TEU to and from non-EU markets available in the Shannon region alone. In 2002, 40%, or 20 million tonnes, of our total import-export trade was with non-EU markets in the USA and the rest of the world. This is a growth market and we should plan and put in place a facility to take advantage of the opportunities that exist. During my involvement with Foynes port, Rotterdam and other European ports were seen as the main centres for shipments to Europe. We should take the opportunity to proceed with the development to which I refer.

On a selfish note, proceeding with the development of such a facility would create great employment opportunities in west and east Limerick, north Cork, north Kerry and Clare. There has been a great tradition of people working in marine and marine-related industries at Foynes for almost 110 years. An opportunity exists to create several thousand jobs in the hinterland of Foynes and the Shannon Estuary. The same opportunities for job creation do not exist in this area as can be found in other centres such as Limerick or Shannon. There has been a dearth of job creation in areas west of the Limerick hub such as Askeaton and parts of north Kerry. However, this could change with the development of a transhipment port in the area.

From my understanding of marine matters, transhipment is the future of international shipping and has been the subject of debate for some time. The new generation of deep water transmission services will be developed in the next ten to 20 years. I put it to the Minister of State that we should plan well in advance to ensure that we can seize the opportunities that will arise. We must be ahead of our competitors in the UK and the north-western coast of Europe who are also considering what will happen in this area in the future. This is an opportunity, which cannot be missed, to develop the Shannon Estuary. That opportunity has been the subject of promotion and discussion for many years as the main one of its kind in terms of commercial marine development.

It is disappointing that no such development has taken place in recent times despite the great opportunity for maritime development industries at Foynes. One of the drawbacks is the inadequate services to the area, especially the road. While it is not the Minister of State's responsibility, I would like to point out that an inhibiting factor in the development of Foynes port is the condition of the N69. Limerick County Council has made many requests to have the road upgraded. I urge the Minister of State to convey to his colleague in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the necessity to upgrade the road to provide an employment opportunity.

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