Exporters plead for port expansion

DELAYS in giving permission to expand port facilities could damage the country’s economy, the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) warned yesterday.

Wed, 13 Apr, 2005 - 01:00

The IEA said capacity at Irish ports, particularly Dublin, is constrained and that the delay in granting permission to expand facilities would limit growth of exports.

A new report from the association says that exports will grow by up to 10% a year until the end of the decade, but capacity at Dublin Port will run out in the next couple of years.

IEA chief executive John Whelan said for the necessary expansion of Dublin Port to go ahead a foreshore licence needs to be issued.

“Over the last number of years, Dublin Port Company has been trying to develop a 21-hectare site at the Alexandra Road extension (beside the Norse Merchant Ferries Terminal).

However, this key location for container trade development requires a foreshore licence from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for site development to proceed.

But confusion as to who should issue the licence - either the Department of the Marine or Dublin City Council - was stalling the project and Mr Whelan said it was time the minister stepped in and ended the situation.

“Unfortunately, there are no simple and short-term solutions to these problems, which are structural in nature, and need positive government intervention.

“Given that major port facilities take time to design, fund and construct, Dublin Port has for some time recognised the need to address this constraint,” he said.

Mr Whelan said the continuing delay has the potential to damage the Irish economy and Dublin Port must get the expansion underway immediately. He said if the Government can change planning laws for retailer giant IKEA, it could change the law now and issue the order to expand Dublin Port.

“The Irish Exporters Association believes port congestion will prove to be the single biggest challenge facing Irish export industry over the coming years. Back-logged exports, inefficient road haulage and disgruntled customers will inevitably constrain exports to zero growth unless we see urgent action in terms of port development.”