Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
308. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has assessed the development plans on which Dublin Port is now consulting; his views on the possible impact on other users in the Dublin Bay area; and the way it fits in with optimal development of the city. [18348/21]
View answerNational Ports Policy outlines that Government expects the Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) to lead the response of the State commercial ports sector to future national port capacity requirements. The planning, financing and development of large-scale infrastructure projects such as major ports capacity proposals require significant organisational, operational and financial resources and a longterm vision often taking 20 years or more from conception to build and becoming operational.
Dublin Port Company is the largest State Port Company and a Tier 1 Port under National Ports Policy, as such, it has a clear mandate from Government to provide for the future port capacity needs of the State. Dublin Port’s Masterplan 2040 which they launched in 2012 and reviewed in 2018 is the port’s current overarching strategic plan for the Port. Dublin Port’s Masterplan 2040 covers the projects required to provide the additional capacity up to 2040. The three strategic Infrastructure Developments under the Masterplan 2040 are the Alexander Basin Redevelopment, their MP2 Project and their 3FM Project. Completion of all three projects is necessary to ensure that Dublin Port Company has sufficient capacity to meet projected throughput figures of 77m tonnes by 2040.
The ABR Project is currently under construction. The MP2 Project was granted planning in 2020 and works are currently being planned with construction due to commence in 2022. Dublin Port Company is now preparing the third and final strategic infrastructure development project which will deliver the full capacity envisaged in the Dublin Port Masterplan 2040. This project is called the 3FM Project and Dublin Port Company has begun the first stage of public and stakeholder consultation prior to commencing pre-application consultation with An Bord Pleanála this year. Completion of the 3FM Project is needed to provide the capacity required for growth up to 2040. Dublin Port have advised that they have engaged with the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Dublin City Council in relation to the proposed project.
In addition to the above, given the lengthy timelines involved in developing port infrastructure, Dublin Port Company has launched the Dublin Port Post 2040 Dialogue. The dialogue addresses the provision of capacity by Dublin Port and at other ports on the East Coast in the longer term as Dublin nears full capacity and how such capacity may be provided and financed.
The launch of the Dublin Port Post 2040 Dialogue provides stakeholders and other interested parties the opportunity to engage with the port on its future development and the wider issue of future port development on the east coast. It is open to all to put their views forward to Dublin Port as part of this consultation.
