Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 888: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will outline any consultations he has had with private sector provider as to their views on the capacity needs in Dublin Port as set out in the 2005 ports policy statement; the steps he has taken to ensure that Dublin Port is in a position to meet capacity demand in the medium to long term; and the steps he has taken to maximise private sector involvement including funding in the ports as set out in the 2005 statement. [33989/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The most recent analysis of medium to long term traffic volumes at our ports was conducted as part of the Dublin Port National Development Plan Study, which my Department published in August last year.

While taking account of the economic downturn, the Study concluded that the ports sector would face renewed capacity constraints from approximately 2025 onwards. It concluded that these capacity constraints will be such that the development of a significant additional capacity project, in addition to other smaller scale projects, will be required to serve the needs of the Greater Dublin Area.

The consultants who carried out the study met with, and received submissions from, a number of private sector service providers within the industry.

The commercial ports sector is characterised by a high degree of private sector involvement and investment. Port companies increasingly rely on private sources of financing, particularly since Exchequer and EU funding is no longer available.

The Harbours (Amendment) Act 2009 introduced greater commercial flexibility for the port companies in regard to borrowing and investment. These measures are aimed at assisting ports in maximising private sector investment in their future development.

I recently announced a review of national ports policy and a public consultation period in respect of that review is currently underway.

The review will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to shape future ports policy. The consultation document published on my Department's website addresses many issues, including port capacity and private sector investment, and seeks the views of interested parties on how these issues might be addressed in the future.