Port tourism numbers up 18%

FERRY passenger numbers through Dublin increased by 18% in 2009 and are likely to rise further in 2010, according to the Dublin Port Company.

However, while the tourism numbers were the strongest element of the port’s business last year — and ahead of expectations — freight business, which makes up nearly 80% of total Dublin Port business, was down by 10.5%.

Management pointed out yesterday that total throughput is only down by 14% on the levels seen in 2007 and they had expected a full 14% fall in trade levels last year.