Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2018
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Brexit Issues
443. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding for ports to upgrade their physical infrastructure to cope with the impacts of Brexit will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28702/18]
View answerPorts operate as independent commercial companies and fund their own capital development programmes.
Exchequer funding is not provided to ports for infrastructural development under National Ports policy.
Ports are examining the potential implications of Brexit and are currently working with the key state agencies, Revenue, Customs and Agriculture, to prepare for the potential implications of Brexit. In addition, shipping companies (which are market driven) are making provision for larger vessels with extra capacity on direct routes to Europe.
The UK’s exit from the EU in 2019 highlights the importance of high quality international maritime connectivity and the importance of continuing investment to further improve the quality of port facilities.
Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes are currently undertaking major capital infrastructure programmes. These programmes will enhance national and international connectivity, and provide for future increases in trade and national port capacity requirements by facilitating more vessels, larger sized vessels and increased tonnage and throughput.
Strengthening access routes to Ireland’s ports through investment to upgrade and enhance the road transport network is, and remains, a Government priority. Examples of such investments include the ongoing development of the M11, to improve connectivity to Rosslare in the southeast; the planned N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road, to improve access to the Port of Cork; and the N21/N69 Limerick to Adare to Foynes Road, to improve access to Shannon Foynes Port.
As the Deputy is aware under Project 2040 some €4.8 billion will be invested by our State airports and ports, and separately, €6.6 billion will be invested in national roads.
