James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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555. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade Rosslare Europort to tier 1 status in view of the threats of Brexit and the need to develop ports here. [2596/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The 2013 National Ports Policy designated Rosslare Europort as a Port of National Significance (Tier 2).

Ports of National Significance (Tier 2) ports are responsible for at  least 2.5% of overall tonnage through Irish ports, have the potential to handle higher volumes of unitised traffic and have existing transport links to serve a wider, national marketplace beyond their immediate region. 

Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) are ports that are responsible for 15% to 20% of overall tonnage through Irish ports and have clear potential to lead the development of future port capacity in the medium and long term, when and as required. 

The tonnage of goods handled at all Irish ports are published annually by the Central Statistics Office. The following is a link to the latest published CSO figures showing tonnage over the last 12 years:

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Rosslare Europort continues to fulfil the criteria of a Port of National Significance (Tier 2).

Irish Rail has recently  completed a detailed report on Rosslare and a €15 million plan to  transform Rosslare Europort has been approved by the board. Irish Rail and Rosslare Europort are committed to an investment plan for the year and will be proactive in attracting new business. 

In terms of Brexit,  a whole-of Government approach has been adopted in relation to our key ports and airports through the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Committee to ensure that ports have the necessary infrastructure in place for Brexit.