How old is Dublin Port?

Dublin was little more than a monastic settlement until the Norse invasion in the 8th and 9th centuries when they selected the Liffey Estuary as their point of entry to the country as it provided relatively easy access to the central plains of Ireland. Trading with England and Europe followed which required port facilities, so the development of Dublin Port is inextricably linked to the development of Dublin City, so it is fair to say the origins of the Port go back over one thousand years. As a result, the modern organisation Dublin Port has a long and remarkable history, dating back over 300 years from 1707.

Where was the original Dublin Port located?

The original Port of Dublin was situated upriver, a few miles from its current location near the modern Civic Offices at Wood Quay and close to Christchurch Cathedral. The Port remained close to that area until the new Custom House opened in the 1790s. In medieval times Dublin shipped cattle hides to Britain and the continent, and the returning ships carried wine, pottery and other goods.

How big is Dublin Port?

510 acres. The modern Dublin Port is located either side of the River Liffey, out to its mouth. On the north side of the river, the central part (205 hectares or 510 acres) of the Port lies at the end of East Wall and North Wall, from Alexandra Quay.

Who owns Dublin Port?

Dublin Port Company is a State-owned commercial company responsible for operating and developing Dublin Port.

What is Dublin Port Company?

Dublin Port Company is a self-financing, and profitable private limited company wholly-owned by the State, whose business is to manage Dublin Port, Ireland's premier Port. Established as a corporate entity in 1997, Dublin Port Company is responsible for the management, control, operation and development of the Port.

Name someone famous connected to Dublin Port?

Captain William Bligh (of Mutiny of the Bounty fame) was a visitor to Dublin in 1800, and his visit to the capital had a lasting effect on the Port. Bligh's study of the currents in Dublin Bay provided the basis for the construction of the North Wall. This undertaking led to the growth of Bull Island to its present size.

Is Dublin the largest Port in Ireland?

Yes. Dublin Port is the largest freight and passenger port in Ireland. It handles almost 50% of all trade in the Republic of Ireland.

Who handles the Cargo in Dublin Port?

All cargo handling activities being carried out by private sector companies operating in intensely competitive markets within the Port. Dublin Port Company provides world-class facilities, services, accommodation and lands in the harbour for ships, goods and passengers.

Who is the Chief Executive of Dublin Port?

Eamonn O'Reilly is the Dublin Port Chief Executive.

Who is the Harbour Master of Dublin Port?

Capt. Michael McKenna is the Dublin Port Harbour Master

How many passengers come through Dublin Port each year?

In 2019, 1,949,229 people came through the Port.

How many cruise liners arrive in Dublin Port?

In 2019, there were 158 cruise liner visits.

How many tonnes of exports were shipped by Dublin Port?

In 2019, 9.4 million gross tonnes of exports were handled by Dublin Port.

How many ships arrive at Dublin Port each year?

In 2019, there were 7,898 ship arrivals.

What is the total throughput of goods at Dublin Port?

In 2019, there was a gross tonnage of 38.1 million.

How many tourist vehicles come through Dublin Port?

In 2019, there were 559,506 tourist vehicles.

How many trade vehicles come through Dublin Port?

There were 98,897 lorries in 2019

Can pleasure craft enter Dublin Port?

Boats can navigate the River Liffey into Dublin by using the navigational guidelines. Find the guidelines on this page here.

What is the VHF Channel for Dublin Port control?

VHF channel 12. Commercial vessels using Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire Port typically have a qualified pilot or certified master with proven local knowledge on board. They "listen out" on VHF channel 12 when in Dublin Port's jurisdiction.

Is there a Dublin Bay webcam?

A Dublin Bay webcam showing the south of the Bay at Dun Laoghaire and a distant view of Dublin Port Shipping is here

What is Dublin Port’s 'distributed museum'?

Dublin Port is creating a distributed museum on its lands in Dublin City. A Liffey Tolka Project cycle and pedestrian way is the key to link the elements of this distributed museum together. The distributed museum starts at the Diving Bell and, over the course of 6.3km, will give Dubliners a real sense of the City, the Port and the Bay. For visitors, it will be a unique eye-opening stroll and vista through and alongside one of Europe’s busiest ports: Diving Bell along Sir John Rogerson’s Quay over the Samuel Beckett Bridge, past the Scherzer Bridge and down the North Wall Quay campshire to Berth 18 - 1.2 km. Liffey Tolka Project - Tree-lined pedestrian and cycle route between the River Liffey and the Tolka Estuary - 1.4 km with a 300-metre spur along Alexandra Road to The Pumphouse (to be completed by Q1 2021) and another 200 metres to The Flour Mill. Tolka Estuary Greenway - Construction of Phase 1 (1.9 km) starts in December 2020 and will be completed by Spring 2022. Phase 2 (1.3 km) will be delivered within the following five years. The Pumphouse is a heritage zone being created as part of the Alexandra Basin Redevelopment Project. The first phase of 1.6 acres will be completed in early 2021 and will include historical port equipment and buildings and a large open space for exhibitions and performances. It will be expanded in a subsequent phase to incorporate the Victorian Graving Dock No. 1 which will be excavated and revealed. The largest component of the distributed museum will be The Flour Mill. This involves the redevelopment of the former Odlums Flour Mill on Alexandra Road based on a masterplan completed by Grafton Architects to provide a mix of port operational uses, a National Maritime Archive, two 300 seat performance venues, working and studio spaces for artists and exhibition spaces. The Flour Mill will be developed in stages over the remaining twenty years of Masterplan 2040 alongside major port infrastructure projects.

inland waterways

12th January 2011

Marine Notice: Erne System, Lower Lough Erne, Kesh Marina Jetty

Erne System, Lower Lough Erne, Kesh Marina Jetty

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters of inland waterways vessels that approximately 15m of this jetty in now available for use while the remainder is closed for repair. Access from the jetty to the car park is also available.

A further marine notice will issue when repairs have been completed.

Any inconvenience that this may cause our customers is regretted.

Charles Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
12 Jan 2011
Tel: 00 353 (0) 90 6494232

Published in Inland Waterways

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16th December 2010

Heritage Council Face Severe Cuts

The Heritage Council of Ireland is to face a 47% cut in funding following the budget's announcement on Tuesday. The large-scale reduction in funding the statutory body will decimate the heritage sector and threatens the closure of many small enterprises that are dependent on it. The cut is on top of a 30% fall in funds introduced during this year.

The council is charged with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland's national heritage which also includes seascapes, wrecks and the inland waterways.

"We are extremely concerned about the disproportionate nature of the cuts to the heritage sector. While the heritage sector recognises that it must share the burden of the cuts required to tackle the country's economic crisis, the cuts announced last Tuesday are completely disproportionate in comparison to other Departmental cuts." said Michael Starrett, chief executive of the Heritage Council.

"As a result, the future of heritage initiatives nationwide which have created hundreds of jobs, empowered local communities and enhanced the value of heritage as a tourism resource, are severely threatened", he added.

According to the Heritage Council, such cuts will have a detrimental impact on the national heritage and the quality of tourism offered. In 2009, over three million overseas visitors engaged in cultural/historical and spent an estimated €1.9 billion. Funding will now no longer be available to protect and manage the nations heritage.

For information on the Heritage Council's marine publications section click here and on inland waterways logon to www.heritagecouncil.ie/inland_waterways/

Published in Coastal Notes

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16th December 2010

Heritage Council's Online Marine Publications

The Heritage Council of Ireland has a diverse range of marine topics that can be downloaded from their website through the Marine publications section. There are publications, reports and presentations available from this area of interest and can be accessed by clicking here

The following topics below are just some of the categories featured, they include the Bere Island Conservation Plan, Ireland's Sharks & Rays, Conserving Ireland's Maritime Heritage and an Audit of Maritime Collections.

The maritime heritage section of the Heritage Council covers the cultural, physical and ecological dimensions. In addition it embraces the legacies of past generations, their traditions and natural features of both coastal and offshore environments.

For those interested in freshwater topics, the Heritage Council also recognises the importance of our inland waterways and canal network. The Heritage Council has undertaken a Waterway Corridor Studies on the Shannon, as well as on parts of the Grand and Royal Canals. For further information and downloadable in PDF format logn to www.heritagecouncil.ie/inland_waterways/

Published in Coastal Notes

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15th December 2010

Cruising Association's MedNet Goes Global

The Cruising Association has just launched a new internet and email based net, which lets members cruising various regions of the world arrange meets, ask questions and receive answers about ever-changing local facilities and regulations.

It all started in 2000 as Mednet, a service for some 85 members cruising yachts and motorboats in the Mediterranean. MedNet 1 allowed one-to-one email communication but soon members wanted more, especially the ability to see the answers to other members' questions.

So MedNet 2 was born in Spring 2001, providing wider access to conversations. By Autumn 2003 MedNet 2 had moved to Yahoo Groups, but as membership increased mail traffic became too heavy for slow and expensive internet connections on boats. As a consequence MedNetLite was introduced for those with low bandwidth connections. By now 250 users were exchanging news about lay-up sites, marinas, restaurants, anchorages, provisioning, boatyards, itineraries and regulatory changes. But a good long-term record of all this data was missing.

So MedNet 3 was introduced in 2006, working as an email based forum within MyCA, the Cruising Association members-only intranet. There were still shortcomings. The system was passive, collecting e-mails and displaying them online. Inputs were only by email. By now, users had grown to 350, 10% of the Cruising Association's membership. Members cruising in other regions began asking for their own networks.

The time had come to upgrade so Version 4 was developed by a group of Cruising Association members with IT skills. This has just been launched for four regions; Mediterranean, Baltic, European Inland Waterways and 'Blue Water'. Members can join as many as they wish. They post and respond online, or by email. They can receive full or lite email messages or opt for no email, just tuning in online when they have Internet access. A full record of all these discussions is maintained online, making it easy to research topics and keep the Cruising Association's many members-only publications right up-to-date.

On MedNet recent discussions have included:
• The need for grey water holding tanks in Turkey
• The cheapest way of making cash withdrawals
• Marina costs in western Italy
• Recommendations for a rigger in Preveza
• How to watch British TV in the Med
• Places for winter storage ashore
It will be interesting to see the sorts of topics that the wider use of MedNet technology brings!

Published in Cruising

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2nd December 2010

New EU Passenger Rights for Sea & Inland Waterways

The European Parliament and European Council have formally adopted a regulation giving new compensation rights to passengers using water transport. The regulation is expected to come into force at the end of 2012.

"People are entitled to enjoy the same levels of quality and safety wherever they travel within the European Union. I am very glad that after introducing rights for air and rail passengers, we are now also able to introduce similar rights for passengers travelling by water" said Siim Kallas, Commission Vice President and responsible for transport.

The new regulation that will enable passengers travelling by sea and by inland waterways to enjoy the same rights wherever they travel in the European Union. The information can be viewed in full from the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) website: www.imdo.ie

Below is a list of the new Passenger Rights.

•guarantee of reimbursement or rerouting in situations of cancellation or of delay at departure of more than 90 minutes;

•adequate assistance (such as snacks, meals, refreshments and, where necessary, accommodation up to three nights, with a financial coverage up to €80 per night) in situations of cancellation or delay at departure of more than 90 minutes;

•compensation, between 25% and 50% of the ticket price, in situations of delay in arrival or cancellation of journeys;

•non-discriminatory treatment and specific assistance free of charge for disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility both at port terminals and on board ships, as well financial compensation for loss or damage of their mobility equipment;

•minimum rules on information for all passengers before and during their journey, as well as general information about their rights in terminals and on board ships;

•establishment by carriers and terminal operators of complaint handling mechanism available to passengers;

•establishment of independent national bodies for the enforcement of the regulation, through, where appropriate, the application of penalties.

In addition further detailed information about passenger rights in all modes of transport can be found HERE.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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21st September 2010

Section of Grand Canal to Close During Build of House Boat Berths

Waterways Ireland has issued a notice tu users of the Grand Canal on the inland waterways that a section of the canal, extending from the 34th Lock to the 35th Lock inclusive, will be closed to navigation between 1st November 2010 and 14th March 2011 to facilitate the following improvement works to the Shannon Harbour area:

PROVISION OF HOUSE BOAT BERTHING AREA

The works site will extend from Griffith Bridge for approximately 350m eastwards of the bridge. Temporary dams will be constructed in the vicinity of this site. Due to low and/or possibly fluctuating water levels between the site and the 34th Lock, it is strongly advised that boats should not be moored between the site and the 34th Lock. Adequate berthage is available East of the 34th Lock. There will be no pedestrian or vehicular access through the work site. Pedestrian and vehicular entry/exit access will be via the south canal bank at L'Estrange Bridge for the duration of the works.

TRANS-SHIPMENT SHED CANOPY REMOVAL AND ASSOCIATED REMEDIAL WORKS
These works will extend for a period of approximately six weeks from November 1st 2010. Boats will not be permitted to moor in the vicinity of the work site during this period. The work site will extend from the 35th Lock for approximately 125m Eastwards, to a point approximately 15m beyond the Eastern gable of the trans-shipment shed. There will be no vessel mooring in the vicinity of the work site. There will be no pedestrian or vehicular access along the northerly canal bank from Griffith Bridge towards the 35th and 36th Locks for the site work duration.

Published in Inland Waterways

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4th August 2010

Report Warns of Climate Change Impact on Inland Waters

The implications for Ireland's Coast and Inland Waterways are examined in a report by the Heritage Council and Failte Ireland. The report examines the potential impacts, as well as indirect impacts on heritage from adaptation responses such as flood relief schemes, and renewable energy generation. The main findings of the review show that the heritage of the coast is at particular risk, which will impact on related tourism activities too. Our inland waterways will also be affected by changes in precipitation patterns, flooding, increased water pollution, and extreme weather events. More HERE.

Published in Inland Waterways

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30th July 2010

Dog Poisoned as Toxic Algae Bloom Returns to Lough Ree

People are being advised to mind their pets on South Lough Ree as a toxic algae is present in the water of this inland waterway. Westmeath Co Co is putting up warning signs in the area after a recent occurrence of a toxic algae bloom poisoned a dog.
Westmeath County Council is warning people about the dangers of the algae for animals which forms during spells of dry weather with little or no wind.
Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran told the Westmeath Independent that the dog's owner approached both himself and the council to alert them to the danger and said it was a tragic thing to happen any pet lover. The man had also been swimming, but was not affected by the algae.

Published in Inland Waterways

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23rd July 2010

Reported Floating 'Raft' Hazard on Lough Derg

A makeshift raft, of wooden construction, floating low in the water has been reported in the vicinity of the entrance to the Scarriff river on the inland waterways.

Owners are requested to keep a sharp look-out and proceed at slow speed when in this area of the navigation.

Published in Inland Waterways

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20th July 2010

Study Aims to Turn Dublin Canals into Tourism Earners

Dublin City Canals Study Launched by Lord Mayor and Minister for Community Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey T.D.

The Launch of the Dublin City Canals Study by Lord Mayor Gerry Breen and Minister for Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey T.D. took place in the Waterways Ireland Visitors Centre in Grand Canal Quay, Dublin on 20th July.

Waterways Ireland understood the challenge for the period 2008-2013 was to identify and proactively develop and deliver the next generation of infrastructural investment as well as recreational and tourism projects on or adjacent to the Dublin City Canals. Seeking partnership to deliver on this challenge Waterways Ireland engaged with Dublin City Council, Dublin Docklands Development Authority and Fáilte Ireland and a steering group for the ‘Dublin City Canals Study’ was formed, chaired by Waterways Ireland.

Lord Mayor Gerry Breen stated “This study shows how much Dublin City Council values the canals. We will be working hard with Waterways Ireland to develop the action plan for the canals”.

The Study which took 18 months to complete, reviewed all existing documentation, carried out consultation with stakeholders and examined existing conditions in the waterway corridors. Issues and opportunities were addressed and proposals made. The proposals focused on the priorities for each discrete area, developed programmes and projects for the area and the infrastructural changes needed.

The study envisages a healthier canal corridor with spaces for people and wildlife to enjoy and which contribute to an improved quality of life for the communities of Dublin; A wealthier canal corridor with thriving and attractive business, social and residential districts; A vibrant and attractive canal corridor which attracts visitors from far and wide, with an appeal based on the canal heritage and opportunities for activity; A sustainable canal corridor where people can move freely without cars in a high quality environment; A well used, well managed and well maintained inland waterways heritage.

Minister Carey welcomed the publication of the report: “This report will be instrumental as we go about the work of developing our canal corridor in Dublin. Great work has been done but the potential for further development in this area is immense. The benefits of improved infrastructure for the quality of life for the citizens of Dublin are obvious as are the benefits in respect of the economy, tourism and the environment. The vision outlined in the report will assist us in harnessing that vast potential and I would like to congratulate all involved in its preparation.”

Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland John Martin stated “Waterways Ireland is delighted that the study has reached this stage today, and welcomes the further development of this strong partnership as we begin the implementation phase.”

Essential for the relevance of the study, an agreed implementation plan and management framework has been included. The implementation plan which is subject to funding will be brought forward by an Operational Liaison Group which will be chaired by Waterways Ireland. The achievement of the goals laid out the plan are within the grasp of the communities of Dublin, and the partners will work together to bring them to fruition for the benefit of all.

Ends Word Count 384

For Further information contact

Waterways Ireland Press Office Katrina Mc Girr 087 991 8412

[email protected]

Community, Equality and Rural Affairs Press Office

The Launch of the Dublin City Canals Study by Lord Mayor Gerry Breen and Minister for Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey T.D. took place in the Inland Waterways Ireland Visitors Centre in Grand Canal Quay, Dublin on 20th July. Waterways Ireland understood the challenge for the period 2008-2013 was to identify and proactively develop and deliver the next generation of infrastructural investment as well as recreational and tourism projects on or adjacent to the Dublin City Canals.

Seeking partnership to deliver on this challenge Waterways Ireland engaged with Dublin City Council, Dublin Docklands Development Authority and Fáilte Ireland and a steering group for the ‘Dublin City Canals Study’ was formed, chaired by Waterways Ireland.Lord Mayor Gerry Breen stated “This study shows how much Dublin City Council values the canals. We will be working hard with Waterways Ireland to develop the action plan for the canals”.The Study which took 18 months to complete, reviewed all existing documentation, carried out consultation with stakeholders and examined existing conditions in the waterway corridors. Issues and opportunities were addressed and proposals made. The proposals focused on the priorities for each discrete area, developed programmes and projects for the area and the infrastructural changes needed.

The study envisages a healthier canal corridor with spaces for people and wildlife to enjoy and which contribute to an improved quality of life for the communities of Dublin; A wealthier canal corridor with thriving and attractive business, social and residential districts; A vibrant and attractive canal corridor which attracts visitors from far and wide, with an appeal based on the canal heritage and opportunities for activity; A sustainable canal corridor where people can move freely without cars in a high quality environment; A well used, well managed and well maintained inland waterways heritage.
Minister Carey welcomed the publication of the report: “This report will be instrumental as we go about the work of developing our canal corridor in Dublin. Great work has been done but the potential for further development in this area is immense.

The benefits of improved infrastructure for the quality of life for the citizens of Dublin are obvious as are the benefits in respect of the economy, tourism and the environment. The vision outlined in the report will assist us in harnessing that vast potential and I would like to congratulate all involved in its preparation.” Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland John Martin stated “Waterways Ireland is delighted that the study has reached this stage today, and welcomes the further development of this strong partnership as we begin the implementation phase.”

Essential for the relevance of the study, an agreed implementation plan and management framework has been included. The implementation plan which is subject to funding will be brought forward by an Operational Liaison Group which will be chaired by Waterways Ireland. The achievement of the goals laid out the plan are within the grasp of the communities of Dublin, and the partners will work together to bring them to fruition for the benefit of all.

Published in Inland Waterways

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