Ireland sees dramatic growth in crusie ship business
02/04/2004 - 08:50:15Ireland has experienced dramatic growth in the cruise ship business, with a 96% increase in passengers to Irish ports over the past decade, according to a report in the Irish Times.
The paper quotes a report on the economic contribution of the sector by the Centre for Policy Studies at UCC which maintained that the business was worth almost €66m to five Irish ports last year, generating 484 full-time jobs.
Cruise ships were also worth almost €32m indirectly to the five ports. Dublin is benefiting most among the host ports, with an overall economic spin-off amounting to €30.55m last year.
Cork earned almost €20m from the sector in 2003, while Waterford earned €8.7m , Belfast earned €5.6m and Derry earned €1.2m.
