Port calls for stronger rail links to boost trade

WATERFORD’S port has called for stronger rail links in the south-east region to boost trade and forge more co-operation with other ports.

Port of Waterford chairman Ben Gavin’s comments came in the wake of the official opening of a new extension to the port’s quayside facility.

Opened by transport minister Noel Dempsey, the €11 million development is aimed at boosting the port’s already-growing cargo business and cementing its reputation as one of north-west Europe’s key maritime hubs.

“We confidently expect the south-east region to profile as never before in the commerce and industry of the nation on completion of this strategic hub and this port will have to be ready to respond to opportunities,” said Mr Gavin.

He welcomed the minister’s support for a review of port facilities, their control and administration.

“We are aware of and have contributed to the Government’s Ports Policy of 2005 wherein this very measure is emphasised in the report by the high level review group which preceded the ports policy document,” the Waterford chairman said.

“We believe the time is now to move on studies about grouping relevant regional ports for mutual and general benefit. We note that this prospect is particularly highlighted in the policy’s section on Rosslare Harbour where the Port of Waterford, for one, is mentioned in that context. We are ready to consider the potential of yet another crucial union.”

It is now critical that rail freight be developed, he added. “If rail freight is to be further developed, the catchment could be the entire island as indeed it was a decade ago when an average of 60 trains per week were worked at this port.

“Today there are six trains a week from the west of Ireland, operated by our customer, DFDS, who would like to see that number increase. These powerful factors point to the south-east as the SE, or ship efficient, region. Commercial geography tells us this and with the added factors already outlined, we need to harness that potential in port terms.”

There is no need, Mr Gavin said, for “extravagant notions” of moving the locations of key ports as if they were chess pieces. “Instead, we advance a realistic proposition — a major concentration on and consolidation of the ports in the south-east.”

Mr Dempsey said that the new out-of-town facility at Belview provides the port and the commercial and industrial activities in its vicinity with room to grow.

“Having this new dedicated bulk quay ensures maximum efficiencies at the port which is critically important in today’s world of quick ship turnarounds,” he said.