Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have some sympathy with what the Deputy says, although I do not think the way the port operates creates any great obstructions. The structure of the port is strange and dates back over 150 years. If Deputy Butler or Deputy Browne has any concrete evidence that that structure is causing problems, I would be happy to ask my officials to examine the matter with a view to introducing legislation both here and in the UK to change the structure, if it is beneficial to do so. At the moment, while it is somewhat archaic and anomalous, the fact that Iarnród Éireann is running Rosslare Port does not seem to be an immediate disadvantage. The Deputy will be aware that there is a master plan in place for investing a large amount of money in the port. That investment by Iarnród Éireann does not seem to be hindered in any way by the port's peculiar structure and is a vote of confidence in the future of Rosslare Port. It includes an investment of €1.6 million from profits in 2018, and other investments which I can go into further.

See this speech in context