David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. The figure he quoted for the fall in the Port of Waterford's share of the lift-on lift-off market from 20% in 2001 to 5% in 2012 is very stark. It is a remarkable drop. There have been independent and in-house reviews of the port which will make recommendations. There will be a need for the Government to support development at the ports at Waterford and Rosslare. Crucially, the Government has a leading role to play in examining the strategic land banks and sites around the ports such as the Belview site in Waterford. It has a responsibility to be part of the solution. We heard a good announcement today about Glanbia. That is part of it. There is the possibility, too, of the sugar beet industry being revived and the development of a bio-refinery plant. The Belview site would be a good location and offer new opportunities for the port because these are export-led industries. If we maximise the potential of the surrounding sites in and around the port, that will give it a lift and help to increase its share in the load-on load-off market. I reinforce that point. I understand there are limitations to what the Government can do directly with the port, but it has responsibility for the land banks and strategic sites around it.