Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish Deputy Kenny well in his new spokesperson role.

My Department, in line with national development plan objectives and national ports policy, continues to work with the State ports as they progress projects under their master plans and consider opportunities with regard to offshore wind energy. The Tier 1 ports of Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes all undertook significant capital expenditure in 2022.

As Ireland’s largest port, Dublin Port has continued progressing implementation of its master plan. Considerable work has been completed on the Alexandra Basin redevelopment, which is the first of three strategic infrastructure development projects. Works are also ongoing on elements of the MP2 project, which is the second major capital development project from Dublin Port’s Masterplan 2040. Dublin Port is now progressing its third and final master plan project, the 3FM project. I have recently written to the Dublin Port Company in relation to this third and final phase and I, along with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, look forward to engaging further on this project and in the wider context of the ports policy review, which will commence shortly.

September 2022 saw the official opening of the Port of Cork Company’s Ringaskiddy redevelopment project, otherwise known as the Cork container terminal, at a cost of €89 million and representing the biggest single investment and infrastructure development made by the Port of Cork Company to date. The completion of the project represents the first phase of the port’s strategic development plan and capital investment programme,which will see new cargo handling equipment, an extension of the deep-water berth and a further extension of Ringaskiddy over the coming years. On 19 May, the Port of Cork will launch its Masterplan 2050. Over the course of the master plan timeline, it is envisaged that operations in the City Docks and Tivoli Docks will migrate towards the lower harbour. The proposed relocation of Port of Cork activities to the lower harbour will enable the development of Cork City Docks and Tivoli Docks for urban regeneration and much-needed housing under the Housing for All Strategy.

Port of Cork, along with other ports, is also considering opportunities around offshore wind energy and is engaging with my officials on this. I have a lot more detail and I will come back to reply to the Deputy's supplementary questions.

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