Onshore access to Dublin port is so bad that both the proposed tunnel and the controversial eastern relief route will be required to alleviate the situation, according to a report just published.
The eastern relief route is of vital importance for the port's future, the preliminary report by the Transport Umbrella Group has found.
Among its main recommendations are development of "round-the-clock" working systems for port operations, extension or refurbishment of the existing rail link, and provision of alternative methods of transport for bulk goods such as pipelines for oil, gas and feedstuffs.
The report, which was presented to the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, in Dublin last night, was compiled as an Access Dublin initiative by the umbrella group.
This body involves all those organisations concerned with the future of Dublin Port. They include the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Irish Exporters' Association, the Irish International Freight Association, the Irish Petroleum Industry Association, the Irish Road Haulage Association, the Irish Ships' Agent Association and the National Institute for Transport and Logistics (NITL).
In a series of workshops leading to the 38-page report, the strategic options are identified.
These include development of an e-commerce system for all port users, with an "in-cab" facility for hauliers; and alternative means of transport to the truck, including pipelines.
It suggests studying the feasibility of extending or refurbishing the existing rail link to the port, which most participants agreed to be inadequate. A public relations strategy is also recommended, to ensure support for initiatives to improve access, the study says.
Dr Stefan Bungart, director-general of NITL, said the report focused on what all members of the port community could do to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.
"The recommendations have been arrived at through consensus, and are aimed at addressing the strains that have been placed on the current infrastructure by the Celtic Tiger," he said.
Dublin Port was one of the vital elements in the State's infrastructure, and its efficient operation was essential to keeping Ireland competitive, he added.
Irish-based companies depended on its efficiency, and "this is about what the companies can do to improve the port and to help themselves."
