asked the Minister for the Marine the estimated volume of freight traffic from the Republic using Northern Ireland ports in 1985 and 1986; how this compares with the volumes using Republic of Ireland ports in 1985 and 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Use of Northern Ireland Ports.
23.
The estimated overseas (i.e excluding NI) exports from the State using Northern Ireland ports during 1985 and 1986 were 659,000 tonnes and 598,000 tonnes respectively. Overseas exports through seaports in the State amounted to 5.352 million tonnes in 1985 and 5.340 million tonnes in 1986.
The estimated imports to the State using Northern Ireland ports during 1985 and 1986 amounted to 1.375 million tonnes and 1.336 million tonnes respectively. Imports through seaports in the State amounted to 13.311 million tonnes in 1985 and 15.428 million tonnes in 1986.