Vol. 472 No. 6
235 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself that the potential of the central sea corridor is being maximised; the additional developments, if any, being considered in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23723/96]
Significant co-ordinated investment in ports infrastructure and shipping servicing the central Irish Sea corridor has been completed in recent years or is under way and nearing completion. The development of Dublin Bay ports' facilities catering for ro-ro and lo-lo traffic has attracted new and improved services.
The success of these operations in attracting additional freight traffic is demonstrated by the statistics for the central corridor which show a 55 per cent increase in ro-ro freight carried in the first three-quarters of 1996 compared to 1995. Passenger numbers recorded a 6 per cent growth for the same period.
