Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I hear a lot of discussion about the congestion in Dublin and capacity issues in Dublin Port. Last year the Port of Waterford saw €1.7 billion worth of goods imported and exported. There was a turnover of almost €400 million in the adjacent enterprise support area. Over 650 people are employed in that area. There is massive potential for expansion, not alone in respect of freight but particularly in support of offshore wind. What is the Government's policy on rebalancing our distribution and transport networks? Waterford Port has a significant part to play in that but we need an active policy around it. I accept that the rail transport review is ongoing but we need to look at where we can create real synergies. Waterford Port is giving a great amount of freight distribution potential to the west of Ireland and that can be further capitalised on by developing a railhead in the Kildare area.

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