Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 266: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether Ireland has enough port capacity to meet increased import and export levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28794/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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A port capacity study undertaken on the Department's behalf by Fisher Associates in 2006, contained detailed submissions from seven ports regarding increasing unitised capacity.

The report concluded, inter alia, that: there is currently significant available capacity for further growth in LoLo traffic at Irish ports; and current available capacity for RoRo traffic also exists, although less so than in the case of LoLo. The study demonstrated that the projects being progressed by the ports sector have the potential to deliver adequate capacity going forward, in line with the established policy.

The expansion proposals submitted by the port companies would be sufficient for a very large expansion in Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo capacity. My Department is continuing to actively monitor both the capacity situation at our ports and developments relating to the submitted expansion proposals.

The slowdown in economic activity has caused a corresponding reduction in port throughput growth and this may impact on the timing of the need for new capacity. These trends will also be factors nationally for consideration as part of the upcoming Dublin Port NDP study, which while focusing on the future of Dublin Port, will also assess alternative port capacity options and potential in the medium and longer term.