Port of Dundalk and Dublin Port Company to merge

The Port of Dundalk is to be merged with the Dublin Port Company, it was announced today.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has announced the amalgamation, saying the financial difficulties faced by Dundalk Port mean it no longer has a future as an independent company.

Minister Varadkar said that he hopes that port activities will continue at Dundalk following the transfer, adding that once the current difficulties are overcome, it may be the case that Dundalk Port can return to local control.

"It is with great regret that I have come to the conclusion that the financial difficulties faced by Dundalk Port mean that it no longer has a future as an independent company," he said.

"In order to ensure the orderly management of the company’s affairs, I have decided that the best course of action is to transfer responsibility for the port to Dublin Port Company.

"I would be hopeful that port activities will continue at Dundalk following the transfer. Once the current difficulties are overcome, it may be the case that Dundalk Port can return to local control, in cooperation with the local authority and private sector operators."