The Irish Government has announced the commencement of the first phase of public consultation for the Review of the National Ports Policy, inviting interested parties to contribute to shaping the future of maritime policy in Ireland. The National Ports Policy, introduced in 2013, governs the development of Ireland's state port network, providing a framework for fostering competition among ports and reducing barriers for shipping companies entering the Irish market.
However, with the increasing environmental, technological, demographic, and geopolitical challenges facing the maritime sector, a revised approach is essential to address the needs of Irish ports in the coming decade. Consequently, the government has launched a public consultation, encouraging stakeholders and the public to participate actively in shaping the future of Ireland's maritime policy.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan - importance of engaging stakeholders and the public in the review of the National Ports Policy
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan emphasised the importance of engaging stakeholders and the public, stating that Ireland's ports would continue to play a critical role in the country's future economic development. He emphasised that the consultation was a timely opportunity for stakeholders and the public to have their say on the type of port infrastructure and maritime sector needed to develop and build, in order to balance the demands of the economy, the environment, and wider society in a sustainable way.
Minister of State with responsibility for maritime transport, Jack Chambers, added that the efficient functioning of Ireland's ports directly impacted the life of every citizen and it was crucial that the ports continued to have the capacity required to support continued growth while embracing new opportunities. He encouraged all stakeholders to actively engage in the consultation process and contribute their valuable insights and expertise.
Submissions by citizens and stakeholders will play a fundamental role in shaping the revised National Ports Policy during the consultation period, which is set to conclude on 15 January 2024. Interested parties can find further information on the government's website, gov.ie/public consultation for the review of national ports policy.
It is worth noting that in 2023, the Irish Ports Capacity Study was completed, which evaluates the port system's capacity to address current and future demands up to 2040. The Executive Summary of this report, which outlines the study's methodology, conclusions, and recommendations, is available alongside the National Ports Policy Issues Paper for reference.
