Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know Foynes very well. As the Deputy said, it is a tier 1 port in Ireland. It is one of the finest natural deep water ports and harbours in Europe. In the past week, I was glad to hear the announcement of a significant investment programme for Foynes. I think it is worth approximately €50 million. The ambitious and talented management team that is managing Foynes Port has big plans for the future development of the port. This is welcome and is very much consistent with Ireland's new ambition of building a bigger and stronger marine economy.

Foynes will be a major part of that, as will other ports.

On the issue of whether we will be able to twin new ship with Foynes, it might be difficult but I will consider it. Since LE Niamhis twinned with Limerick and we need to achieve a broad geographical spread, as best we can, we are trying to ensure the whole coastline is covered. I suspect there will be a very strong claim from Waterford. We will consider what the Deputy has asked for but I do not want to decide today.

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