Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
911. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the decision of a company (details supplied) to withdraw its service between Rosslare and France; his views on whether its decision reflects the need for the development of Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54526/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish Ferries is a private sector company that operates international ferry services from Ireland and it is one of the ferry companies that sail from Rosslare Europort. As part of its business at that port in 2018, Irish Ferries ran three weekly sailings to France (Cherbourg or Roscoff) between April to October, but in December the company announced that it is unlikely to have a ferry service from Rosslare to France in 2019. The company has indicated that its service between Dublin Port and Cherbourg best serves its customers' needs, and it has stated that its investment of €150m on a new ship to provide ferry services between Ireland and France will significantly increase its year-round freight capacity between the two countries and increase the company’s summer tourism capacity by 20%.
The Deputy will understand that decisions by ferry operators – including Irish Ferries – in relation to their provision, alteration or suspension of services are operating and commercial decisions of these private companies, subject to any appropriate regulatory frameworks.
Within this overall context, I met the CEO of Irish Ferries earlier this month and discussed the company’s announced decision.
The Deputy also asks about Rosslare Europort. As he is aware, the port is owned by Iarnród Éireann and operated and managed as a division of that company which is a commercial State body. As Minister, I am not involved in the management or operations.
Iarnód Éireann has recently completed a detailed report on the development potential of Rosslare and a €15 million plan to transform Rosslare Europort has been approved by the board of Irish Rail. Investment in the port is a matter for the company and Iarnród Éireann is currently examining how it will raise the capital necessary for planned investment. As the Deputy will be aware from previous questions, Iarnród Éireann and Rosslare Europort briefed my Department late last year on the company's plans for strategic development of the port over the coming years.
Separately, I recognise that Brexit will have implications for a number of key ports and airports, and Rosslare continues to work closely with my Department and a range of other relevant Government Departments and Offices in preparing for the additional border controls that will arise from Brexit. In this context, my Department has met Rosslare Port management on a number of occasions over the past year, most recently yesterday, about the infrastructure requirements of the Port in connection with Brexit. My Department has also been meeting ferry and shipping companies regarding their plans for dealing with the challenges of Brexit, including meeting with Irish Ferries last week.
