Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:35. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the port capacity study is now complete; the date on which it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50511/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 12 October 2022
Ceisteanna (35, 38)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:38. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when the National Ports Policy review will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50527/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 38 together.
The port capacity study is currently underway and is due for completion shortly. Upon its finalisation a full review of National Ports Policy will commence later this year which will look at the overall ports policy framework.
National Ports Policy provides the overarching policy framework for the governance and future development of Ireland’s state port network. The responsiveness and competitiveness of Ireland's maritime transport industry are underpinned by National Ports Policy 2013. It has helped foster competition between ports and ensure minimal barriers to entry for shipping companies seeking to enter the Irish market.
The aim of the National Ports Policy is to facilitate a competitive and effective market for maritime transport services and to ensure that the system has adequate and efficient capacity. It included a commitment to undertake regular independent assessments of port capacity starting in 2018. A consultancy team were contracted to assess the capacity of Ireland’s port network. However, COVID-19, Brexit, and more recently the Russian/Ukraine conflict have been a key priority for stakeholders and has delayed this work.
The national and international environment for which the 2013 policy was developed has changed fundamentally. As Minister, I recognise that a new approach is needed to assist our ports with the environmental, technological, demographic, and geopolitical challenges of the next decade and beyond.
In line with National Development Project objectives and National Ports Policy, the State ports are continuing to progress projects under their Masterplans. The Ports of Dublin, Cork, Shannon Foynes and Rosslare will spend €144m in capital expenditure in 2022 and almost €500m over the next five years. These non-exchequer funded investments will enhance Ireland’s capacity and connectivity and will allow the ports to respond to market needs, handle increases in ship sizes and frequency and serve the import and export needs of the economy.