Comment: In light of the recent publication of the Government's Ports Policy Statement and the start of the cruise liner season last weekend, the important issue of Ireland's Ports' ability to meet the needs of our growing economy has been raised again.
As a trading island nation, ports play a vital role in the Irish economy and to safeguard continued growth of our economy we must ensure that our port capacity meets the demands of international trade requirements.
The Minister for the Marine has stated a requirement for additional seaport capacity is predicted in the period up to 2014, with a particular emphasis on the growing unitised, or what is more popularly known as the containerised, trade sector.
As Ireland's largest port, over two thirds of all containerised trade to and from Ireland flows through Dublin Port, making Dublin Port Company a significant facilitator of Ireland's growing economy.
However, if the economy continues to grow at rates predicted by economists the port will reach full container capacity by 2007.
To date, Dublin Port Company has tried, unsuccessfully, to expand capacity that will help facilitate further growth in Ireland's economy.
If the facility through which two thirds of this country's container trade is constrained, the resultant damage to our economy could well be catastrophic.
Dublin Port Company is offering to contribute to the solution to ensure that we do not suffer from capacity shortfalls.
An application has already been made in March 2002 to The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to grant permissions and consents that are needed in advance of any new planning application to Dublin City Council to expand the port.
If the necessary permissions and consents were granted, Dublin Port Company would be able to commence the lengthy process of applying for planning permission.
While no decision has yet been made by the Minister, we hope that one will be forthcoming.
Dublin Port Company also joins with IBEC in urging the Government to "fast-track" certain projects for completion before the National Development Plan runs out in 2006.
In the last five years Dublin Port Company has invested heavily with €130 million in infrastructural improvements.
However, we are willing to invest more of the Port's own resources if the relevant permission and consent is granted.
This would adhere to Minister Gallagher's desire that the State cannot be the financier to all capacity provision and IBEC's report that more reliance will need to be put on alternative financing as EU structural funds for the NDP dry up.
Expansion at the Port is not just needed for container capacity, as the port is also a significant gateway for tourism revenue.
Much work has been undertaken by Dublin Port Company in conjunction with Cruise Ireland in making Ireland and Dublin an attractive destination for cruise liners.
This strategy is beginning to deliver great results for the city's economy. €30 million was generated from 40,000 high spend passengers on board 54 cruise liners that called at Dublin Port last year, a 100 increase on 2000.
Indeed the first of 80 cruise liners scheduled to dock in Ireland's premier port arrived this week, a trade that will bring a €50 million dividend to the local economy.
As 2007 approaches and Dublin Port reaches capacity, one of the first casualties of the shortfall would be this lucrative trade.
Dublin Port Company has an available site and has completed the necessary surveys and environmental impact studies.
No reasonable economic or environmental argument exists not to expand the port's capacity.
Furthermore the expansion can be provided for from its own resources, without recourse to exchequer funding.
Given the lead time, action is needed sooner rather than later and we urge the Government and the Minister for the Marine to act now and support Dublin Port Company's efforts to fund and develop container capacity where it is needed most.
Enda Connellan is Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company and Chairman of IBEC's Transport sub-committee.
