The Government has launched an eight-week public consultation on a revised National Ports Policy designed to shape the future of Ireland's commercial port sector.
Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for Ports Seán Canney announced the consultation following Government approval of the draft policy.
The revised policy forms a key part of Ireland's transport strategy. It aims to strengthen international connectivity, support investment in commercial and passenger ports, facilitate offshore renewable energy development and ensure sufficient port capacity for future economic growth.
O'Brien said the revised framework would guide the continued development of Ireland's State-owned commercial ports. "The revision of the National Ports Policy sets out the updated policy framework for the State-owned commercial port sector," he said.
"Ports are crucial to our economic well-being and a key enabler of our renewable energy future. I encourage members of the public, industry stakeholders and businesses to engage with this consultation."
He said the revised policy builds on the National Ports Policy 2013, which aligned the State-owned port network with national planning objectives and the EU's Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). "The revision also sets out a new roadmap to ensure that our ports continue to develop the infrastructure required to support Ireland's trade and sustainability goals into the future," he said.
Canney said the draft policy recognises the importance of both the country's Ports of National Significance and smaller Ports of Regional Significance. "Our ports are critical national assets, supporting trade, connectivity, regional development and Ireland's transition to a more sustainable economy," he said. He also welcomed the response to the first phase of consultation, noting that more than 70 submissions to the earlier thematic Issues Paper had been assessed by departmental officials.
The public consultation opened on 3 July and will remain open for eight weeks.
