Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am also happy to speak to this important motion regarding the impact of Brexit on Irish ports. Brexit has an effect on so many matters. As an island and a maritime nation, we know that serious focus must be given to our ports and, in particular, our ability to trade internationally. Even in 2013, it was clear from the Government's report on competition within the Irish ports sector that inter-port competition appeared limited. The report also found that ensuring competition between ports was especially important but we were lethargic about it. These issues would remain of vital relevance, even if Brexit, which is now upon us, were not a reality. According to the Irish Maritime Development Office, the sector is a key driver of economic growth. It notes that, in 2016, Ireland's marine economy had a turnover of €5.7 billion, 37% of which is attributable to the shipping and maritime service sector. It is huge.

The direct economic value of Ireland's marine economy was €1.8 billion in 2016, representing an increase of 20% on 2014, which is to be welcomed. According to the Irish Maritime Transport Economist report in 2017, a 2% increase in total port traffic in 2016 led to the highest level of throughput achieved since 2007. Statistics for 2017 indicate continued growth, with shipping and port activity in the Republic of Ireland rising by 7% in the first quarter of 2017 when compared with the corresponding period in 2016.

The ports sector is one of those parts of our economy that often play a very muted and undervalued role in the national public conversation. It does not have the slick appeal of technology giants or other multinational sectors but we know that without a ports sector and strong and resilient port infrastructure, the loss to our trading capacity would be catastrophic. That is why it is imperative that serious and sustained consideration be given to protecting it from any adverse impact from an increasingly disconnected Brexit strategy.

The Rosslare Europort is dear to me but we will not now see a road developer from Limerick to the east. Connectivity between Rosslare and the rest of the country is very important. I am sad to say that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, was here but before any of us rose to speak, he fled like snow off a ditch in case we might ask him a hard question about his policy on roads. He knows nothing about roads or ports and could care less, unless he fell into one somewhere.

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