John Brady
Question:270. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the analysis that has been undertaken in respect of the expansion of Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41102/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 July 2022
Questions (270, 271)
John Brady
Question:271. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a copy of any reports that have been compiled concerning an analysis undertaken in respect of the expansion of Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41104/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.
Maritime transport is the most important means of connecting Ireland to international markets, accounting for more than 90% of Ireland’s international trade, in volume terms. In a national context, analysis is underway by a consultancy team appointed by the Irish Maritime Development Office to assess the capacity of Ireland’s overall ports network. This capacity study, which is expected to be completed shortly, considers each individual port and determines the sufficiency of overall national port capacity needs for the future. Findings from the study will help inform the review of National Ports Policy 2013 which is due to commence later this year.
Dublin Port is the largest and busiest port in the country with 70% of all vessels visits and over 50% of all port tonnage. The port plays a key role in the overall transport chain by facilitating the movement of goods in and out of Ireland.
Under National Ports Policy, the continued commercial development of the port company is a key strategic objective of the Government.
Having the appropriate infrastructure in place is vital to Ireland's future maritime transport capacity and connectivity needs. Therefore, Government expects the Ports of National Significance such as Dublin Port to lead the response of the State commercial ports sector to future national port capacity requirements.
In line with its Masterplan 2040 and Ireland’s National Development Plan 2021-2030, Dublin Port has three large strategic developments underway. The Alexander Basin Redevelopment Project, part of the first phase of its Masterplan, comprises significant landside restructuring to quays and berths and significant elements of capital dredging to facilitate larger vessels.
The Port has received planning permission for the second project under its Masterplan, namely the MP2 project. This project will see the construction of two berths with an overall length of 545 meters. The company has also undertaken the first stage of stakeholder and public consultation in respect of the third and final masterplan project, the 3FM project, to further develop their port facilities on the south side of the river.
All of these developments will be within the existing footprint of Dublin Port with no infill into Dublin Bay.
Separately, the port owns lands known as Dublin Inland Port which is located 14 km from Dublin Port off the M2, with direct access to the M50 and to Dublin Port via the Dublin Port Tunnel. The development of Dublin Inland Port is in line with its commitment in Masterplan 2040 to maximise the use of existing port lands by relocating port-related, but non-core activities – including empty container storage – away from Dublin Port.
Question No. 271 answered with Question No. 270.