Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this motion on the crucial infrastructure improvements that are essential to our tier 1 and tier 2 ports. In particular, Rosslare Europort, as a tier 2 port, is a key player in the commercial trade of the south east and in the tourism industry nationally. In Wicklow, much commercial trade is progressed through Rosslare and the strategic decisions to locate many industries in Wicklow are dependent on the capacities of Dublin and Rosslare to accommodate their transport needs. The much-hyped national planning framework makes vague references to upgrading tier 2 ports between now and 2040. The national development plan, which is the investment plan for the next ten years, does not mention any tier 2 port projects, including Rosslare. The implications to the national and regional economy from a failure to fully invest in upgrades to Rosslare Europort would be careless in normal economic cycles but the changes to our trade as a result of Brexit make this lack of attention a dereliction of duty by Government.

The implications of Brexit to the land bridge transport system in the UK, used by 80% of Irish traded goods, are potentially catastrophic. The potential for Rosslare Europort's growth and capacity for growth is, therefore, urgent. Apart from the urgent need for trade, industrial and commercial development for south Wicklow, the tourism industry for the entire garden county will require investment in the infrastructure to allow coach tours and self-drive tourists to access Rosslare in a post-Brexit world.

This Government must prioritise a full review of the EU TEN-T programme to leverage funding for Rosslare Europort. The reality of Brexit and the increased need for trade and tourism development make this project of urgent national interest at EU level. It is a practical yet strategic method for our EU partners to support Ireland during the Brexit transition.

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