Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Dublin Chamber of Commerce and ISME regarding putting pressure on Dublin Port to change its decision not to allow cruise ships into Dublin Port. It sends out a bad message for the country. A total of 172 cruise ships visited Dublin Port last year and because of Brexit planning, it is intended to change that and no cruise ship will be allowed into the port. When the cruise ships arrive, they do not put any pressure on Dublin hotels, bed and breakfasts or Airbnb. They put no pressure on accommodation in the city but are a major boost to the economy. The Government should liaise with Dublin Port to see what can be done because the cruise ship industry is a growing market. As a matter of urgency, the Government should liaise with the port to see how it can be facilitated so that the cruise ships continue to visit Dublin.