Merger of New Ross and Waterford ports likely to go ahead this year

TWO of the country’s busiest port authorities could be about to merge.

An amalgamation of New Ross and Waterford ports is a distinct possibility this year, according to Waterford Port chairman Ben Gavin.

Junior Marine Minister John Browne, has already said that both ports are carrying considerable debts and their operations will have to be assessed in the future. He made his comments recently in the Dáil.

Four years ago it was suggested that two Wexford ports New Ross and Rosslare merge with Waterford. That proposal was rejected.

Mr Gavin said that the Waterford authority, in particular, has been reviewing ways of adapting its business and did not rule out a possible amalgamation in the not too distant future.

Speaking on local radio, Mr Gavin said meetings had taken place between the various authorities. "Both myself, our chief executive and the chairman of New Ross have met. We are going to look at the merits of a merger between New Ross and Waterford," he said on WLR FM news.

"We have done a new corporate plan, plotting the way forward.

"We've sent this on to the Department of the Marine and the Department of Finance."

The Board of the Port of Waterford places great emphasis and importance on better access to the expansion of the port infrastructure as identified in the Port Development Plan. In December 2000, it also announced plans for a massive development over the next few years.

The Port of Waterford is the fastest growing port on the south coast. And historically, Waterford has dominated the southern Irish Sea routes to Britain.

The port has experienced significant growth in trade to and from mainland Europe since Ireland joined the European Union and has become the principal shipping centre in Ireland for continental traffic.

The Port of Waterford, in conjunction with Kilkenny County Council, has acquired a substantial land bank immediately adjacent to the Belview facility. This land has been zoned for industrial purposes and is being developed to encourage port related industries to locate there.

The Port of Waterford is now enjoying one of the most successful periods in its history. There has been substantial growth in all shipping modes.