Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
171 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will quantify the significant capacity shortfall identified by his Department at the national ports conference at Kinsale on 24 September 2004; the capacity shortfall by reference to each of the commercial ports operating in the State; his measures for dealing with this shortfall over the medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28300/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra172 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there is an urgent need for increased capacity at commercial ports here in the context of evidence of capacity shortfall; his views on the way in which such capacity deficits can be addressed; his further views on the period within which capacity can be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28301/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
My Department has drafted a comprehensive ports policy statement, which, subject to Government approval, I intend to publish in the near future. One of the major policy areas addressed by the policy statement will be how to meet the predicted deficit in seaport capacity.
My Department has commissioned independent consultants, Baxter Eadie Limited, to prepare a series of reports on seaport capacity and future projected capacity needs. Earlier this year, Baxter Eadie Limited prepared a desk study update in order to identify the effect Ireland's changing economic circumstances has had on projected capacity needs at the seaports. The study takes into account current economic growth projections and looks at capacity up to 2014.
Looking to 2014, the study found that traffic is expected to grow by 16.2 million tonnes, 35% more than the tonnage handled in 2003, while growth in capacity over the same period is projected at a low level, approximately 1% over the period. These projections are based on known changes which have full approval for implementation and do not include other plans for infrastructure improvements. A capacity shortfall of 12.2 million tonnes is projected by 2014. The consultants state the situation warrants decisions and further action to avoid increasing delays and congestion in ports, particularly for unit load cargos. My Department recognises that the study by Baxter Eadie Limited is necessarily an inexact exercise, the implications of which will need to be checked against experience in each of the ports.
The Deputy has asked for details of the projected capacity shortfall by reference to each of the commercial ports. However, I do not intend to release details relating to individual ports, as the work by Baxter Eadie Limited is based, in part, on commercially sensitive information provided in confidence by the ports. In the context of the ports policy statement, I will recommend to the Government that a policy framework should be put in place to ensure capacity needs are identified, planned and progressed in a co-ordinated manner.
