The facilities, services, standards and efficiency of the port provide the greatest encouragement for use. These are the main objectives of my Department. As Deputy Callely and Deputy Gilmore know, we have considerably increased the efficiency of the port and have reduced charges by 15 per cent, which is an important attraction. We are now looking at ways of reducing charges further to make the port more efficient.
As regards competition with other ports, the factors which matter are the speed of turnaround, the efficiency of operations and the facilities available. All the indications are that Dublin Port is shaping up well and is attracting extra business.
The rising seabed level around Dublin Port is a problem. This is a constant source of concern because of the need for dredging and the effects of the position of alluvium as the River Liffey enters the sea.