Study: Dublin Port throughput to continue decline in 2010
A report released by Minister Noel Dempsey has revealed that Dublin Port throughput will continue to decline in 2009 and into 2010.
The report also says that traffic throughput will not return to 2007 levels until post 2011.
The study was conducted under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
Speaking today on the publication of the report Mr Dempsey said: "The future of Dublin Port has been the subject of much discussion in recent years. The future of this port is not just a local or regional matter it is of major strategic importance to the country as a whole. The National Development Plan recognised this fact by providing for this study.
"As a trade dependent island nation we are reliant upon our ports to facilitate economic growth. Notwithstanding the current downturn and its associated effects in terms of decreased traffic volumes, the ports sector is one that demands long term forward planning and analysis.
"This report is an important analysis not just of the future of Dublin Port but also provides a useful insight into the capacity challenges that face the sector as a whole."
More than 40% of national tonnage passes through the port and it plays a particularly important role in terms of fast-moving, high-value cargos.
The port has a 75% market share for roll-on roll-off trucks (RoRo) and 64% for lift-on lift-off containers (LoLo).
The port is also vital in terms of the State’s energy supply, handling 45% of national oil imports.
