Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have been listening to some of the various contributions in my office and some of them were quite negative. The first point concerns the gaps in transport infrastructure. We can acknowledge that gaps have to be addressed. However, I will be parochial in my contribution because I want to make a few points about Dublin Port and the way it is facing the challenge of Brexit. I represent Dublin Central and I live in a docklands community, so I am very aware of the work at Dublin Port, the plans and the way in which the port has expanded. I am also aware of the employment opportunities that are offered there, the consistent growth and the development of the cruise ship potential. Last year's review of the Dublin Port Masterplan 2040 included engagement with the public. There were many presentations made on behalf of the Docklands communities. A new capital project, MP2, has been proposed, and that is a progressive way of confronting the challenge of Brexit. It would lead to greater efficiency in roll-on/roll-off, ro-ro, lift-on/lift-off, lo-lo, and passenger traffic.

There is also a community gain aspect to the MP2 project, which is similar to all of the projects being organised by Dublin Port.

There is huge potential for Dublin Port and other Irish ports as the UK land bridge to access Europe is likely to be problematic. The potential is in engaging with ports in other European cities, for example Holland and Belgium. This work is in progress because they are viable alternate options, as the Minister noted in his amendment. It is hard to believe suggestions were made to move Dublin Port to somewhere up in north Dublin. That would be extremely costly, it would take a very long time and it would completely undermine the investment to date.

I want to highlight the close relationship with the local communities, north and south of the Liffey, through Dublin Port's support for education. It has scholarship programmes, it supports schools, there is the early learning initiative at National College of Ireland, various community events for youth and senior citizens and sports. In the past few years, that support has also been for the arts, not to mention the way in which Dublin Port has been a venue for other events such as the tall ships.

I want to mention the UNCTAD port management programme, which is a training of trainers for managers from ports in Africa and Asia. I know the port companies are commercial entities, but I want to highlight the positive work in Dublin port, which is not without difficulties and problems but overall is progressive and positive. It can be replicated in other ports and I heard what Deputy Howlin said.

There is one particular omission in the motion and amendments, which is the potential for our canals, predominantly for tourism and leisure. We need easier access for both along the two canals and greater co-operation between the authorities involved. With the big picture we are looking at the major roads, but there is a time to look at the smaller roads and the neglect away from those main roads. I make a particular plea for island communities due to the damage done through various storms and with regard to access to and from the islands to ensure sustainability of the population.

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