Vol. 544 No. 4
80 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when he expects to receive final proposals from the task force on transport logistics regarding the reduction of container traffic from Dublin Port through the city centre; if he has considered the implications for container traffic from Dublin Port of proposals by Irish Rail to reduce by up to 46% the volume of freight carried by rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28934/01]
I am advised by the task force chairman, Dr. John Mangan, that the task force expects to complete its work and submit a final report by year end.
Included among the questions and issues being addressed by the task force which would impact on container traffic from Dublin Port through the city centre is the potential to transfer non-essential activities such as fuel storage and empty containers out of the port to a more peripheral location.
While not pre-empting the task force findings in any way, I have already taken an initiative recently in this regard. It is essential that a container/storage facility is established for Dublin Port traffic on the periphery of the city close to the M50, connected to Dublin Port preferably by rail with an operational capacity to work off-schedule. I have recently charged Dublin Port company with responsibility to progress this initiative, either alone or in partnership with the private sector. The aim is to cut down on gridlock and deliver much needed time savings for all traffic. National policy in connection with rail transport is a matter for the Minister for Public Enterprise.
