Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was taken somewhat by surprise by this announcement and did not expect anything quite so immediate. I have responded to it by bringing in the chairman and the chief executive of the Dublin Port Company. Since becoming Minister, I am a regular visitor to and frequently keep in touch with the company, as do my officials. There is no lack of communication normally.

The chief executive has made it quite clear that this is a temporary blip. There is no intention that the reduction in the number of cruise ships will last for more than two years. It is expected the numbers will go up subsequently. For 2020, bookings are already at 140 and it will hit a new peak this year.

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