Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has received a copy of the Irish Maritime Development Office's new analysis of traffic volume through ports here; his views on the first decline in shipping volumes for a decade; if he will introduce measures to address declining shipping volumes and to enhance the national ports here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33949/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Maritime Development Office published mid-year analysis of traffic through ports in the State that showed a reduction in the volume of cargo during the first half of 2008. The data indicated a fall in container traffic volume compared to the same six months of 2007, with lift on/lift off traffic declining by 4% and roll on/roll off traffic declining by 3%.

The changed economic climate has impacted on traffic volumes. In 2007, throughput continued to grow but at a lower rate than previous years, with overall tonnage up 1.5%. There was a marked slowdown in the latter part of 2007 and this has continued into the first half of 2008.

Notwithstanding the changed economic circumstances, the provision of additional modern port capacity is still required in the medium term. I believe that the historic trend toward increased international trade will continue, once the economy returns to growth. It will be important that the transport infrastructure is in place to facilitate this trade.

Since the Fisher Seaport Capacity study was completed in 2006, a number of ports have made significant progress in advancing their development proposals.

My Department continues to monitor the capacity situation closely.