Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive response on the issue of a strategy to ensure we have connectivity with the Continent from the southern Ireland region. It is about capacity, as the Minister mentioned clearly in his response. It is all about the capacity that will be provided, as well as the capacity that exists. Some of this capacity is currently coming through the Dublin Port but I believe we need to look at the regional spread of the capacity, whether it is roll-on, roll-off or cargo itself. The potential we have in southern Ireland in terms of geographical location and the manufacturing and pharmaceutical base gives us a real step towards building on that capacity so we can increase our trade links and, in turn, increase our capacity.