Written answers

Tuesday, 9 July 2019

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Ports Policy

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the National Ports Policy 2013 in view of the changes in the economy and particularly in view of the impending implementation of Brexit and the proposed development of Galway port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29111/19]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The core objective of National Ports Policy (NPP), which was published following Government approval in 2013, is to facilitate a competitive and effective market for maritime transport services. The implementation of the key measures outlined in the policy document is still on-going. 

NPP introduced clear categorisation of the ports sector into Ports of National Significance (Tier 1 and Tier 2) and Ports of Regional Significance.

Galway port as a Port of Regional Significance is designated under NPP to transfer to Local Authority control. The transfer process has been on-going for a number of years and the due diligence process is moving towards completion. Although the economy is growing, the scale of existing commercial shipping in the port represents only approximately 1% of national traffic. Galway port plays an important role as a facilitator of its regional economy and the port has capacity to continue to grow trade within its existing facilities.

The two ports that will be most affected ports by Brexit are Dublin Port Company and Rosslare. Preparations are underway in those ports in relation to Brexit.   

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