Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 September 2018
10. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the ownership model of Rosslare Europort is in the State’s best interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37803/18]
View answer35. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the development of Rosslare Europort in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37707/18]
View answerWill the Minister share his views on the ownership model of Rosslare Europort? Does he believe that it makes sense for a rail company to operate the port? Does he believe that it makes sense that it strips the profits year after year? Does he believe that it makes any sense not to invest in our closest port to mainland Europe, with Brexit looming? Does the Minister believe that Rosslare Europort is being run in the State's best interest?
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 35 together.
The Deputy will be aware that Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports, as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts, but is instead operated as a division of Iarnród Éireann.
Technically, the port forms part of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours Company, which is a 19th century joint-venture company, consisting today of Iarnród Éireann on the Irish side and Stena Line on the Welsh, Fishguard, side.
The status of the port, and whether its current status potentially inhibits its development, was considered in a strategic review, commissioned by my Department, and carried out by Indecon economic consultants.
The report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult, given the port's complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.
In order to assist Iarnród Éireann's overall consideration of how best to move forward, the company then engaged consultants to assess market interest. The assessment was largely positive in terms of the potential for increased private sector investment in the port. However, it did identify possible implementation issues due to the complicated legislative basis of the port. Following that assessment, my Department sought and received detailed advice from the Office of the Attorney General on the matter. That advice identified a number of legal issues with any such proposal and those issues remain under consideration by my Department.
I visited Rosslare Europort earlier this year at the invitation of my ministerial colleague, Deputy Paul Kehoe, and was briefed by the Europort’s management on the port’s commercial position. This was a particularly valuable opportunity for me as Minister to witness the central role that Rosslare Europort plays within the economy of Wexford, and indeed the wider south-east, and to see at first hand its potential in terms of future development as a vital part of our country’s trading infrastructure.
Finally, my Department has been engaging with Rosslare Europort with regard to Brexit and these discussions are ongoing.
The Minister must agree that Rosslare Port is not being prioritised. It is not receiving State backing such as that received by Dublin Port, although I am not suggesting that Dublin Port should not get this. It would give such a boost to Wexford which is one of the most deprived counties with more mental health challenges than most areas and one of the highest rates of suicide which is directly linked to the county being seriously deprived. We laugh at the Brits for not knowing whether they are going left, right or centre with Brexit but how well prepared for Brexit are we ourselves? Does it not make sense that the Government would address ownership of Rosslare Europort and get ready for Brexit? Does the Minister not think that strategically it would represent an important advance by the Government and a positive move to take a different approach, grab this issue and transform Rosslare Port into a real port which would make a massive difference to the area and to Ireland generally, in the context of Brexit and problems in Britain increasing?
I have raised the issue of Rosslare Europort every second week since my election. The port makes €2.5 million profit annually. It is not only self-sufficient but it is very profitable. However, it looks like a ghost town because it is owned by Iarnród Éireann which sucks the profit out of it and puts it in to subsidise other parts of its railway network which it is not prepared to deal with in a proper manner. It is the second busiest port in the country for passenger and roll on-roll off traffic. That €2.5 million per annum should be put back into that port. It would leverage approximately €15 million on the international market, which would make that port one of the top ports in Europe, as it should be because of its location. It is Ireland's closest port to the Continent. Ships steam past it every few minutes, going on to England, France, Hamburg or Rotterdam. Even a tiny portion of that business would make Rosslare one of the top ports in Europe. It is time action was taken either to take it from Iarnród Éireann or at least turn it into a stand-alone company so that profits are kept in the port. It should be a driver of the economy for the entire region.
Both Deputies are correct. It is a crucial time. It coming near a time not for a decision about its structure - we have examined that - but when Rosslare will be critical.
The Deputies will be aware of the significance of Brexit and the importance that Rosslare may assume in the process of preparing for it.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Taoiseach have informed the House that the Brexit negotiations are at a critical stage. The outcome of the negotiation process will have implications for this country's ports, notably Rosslare, in view of its position as an import-export trading route to mainland Europe. The Irish Maritime Development Office, in conjunction with my Department, has undertaken a study into the use of the UK landbridge to other European countries by the Irish road transport industry, importers and exporters. This could have an effect on the future of Rosslare as well. The purpose of the report is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK landbridge at present, the potential consequences that Brexit will have on landbridge usage and the various alternative options that may be viable. The study is expected to be finalised shortly and to be published thereafter.
