Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2017
228. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the feasibility of deepening the port of Waterford has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53348/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Port of Waterford currently maintains depths at 6.5 metres below datum (i.e. at low water). Hence, at high tide, the port has 10.5 metres in the channel (assuming a 4m tide). This allows the port to accommodate ships with a draft of 9 metres. The port would routinely handle very substantial vessels. In the container handling (Lo-Lo/Unitised) operations the current port depths work well for the type of short sea and feeder vessels that are regarded as appropriate for the current market.
There is some demand for a move to 9.5 metre drafts for a portion of the ports bulk business. This is something the port is currently examining using its recently developed estuary model. This model will allow the port to evaluate the potential to gain greater depth, gauge the capital outlay and wider estuary impact and, most importantly, understand the ongoing cost of maintaining a new depth.
