THE MINISTER FOR Transport has launched a 30 year masterplan for Dublin Port which will see more than €600 million pumped into Ireland’s biggest port.
A custom built terminal will allow giant cruise ships to dock on the Liffey as part of the plan in a bid to attract high spending tourists.
The plan was developed after a year-long consultation with business, community, industry and government stakeholders. Dublin Port Company will invest €110 million over the next five years as part of the plan, with a total of €600 million to be spent on the port between now and 2040.
The masterplan forecasts the port will increase the amount of goods it handles by 2.5 per cent per year over the next 30 years.
The plan was welcomed by Dublin South East TD Kevin Humphreys who said the project will enliven the riverside and further the significant developments in Dublin’s docklands in recent years.
More than 85 cruise ships carrying a total of 130,000 passengers visited Dublin last year and the plan will allow that number to grow further, Humphreys said.
“This part of the plan has the potential to open up Dublin to a new audience of high spending tourists at a time when Ireland needs new visitors,” said Humphreys.
A number of protesters from the local area gathered at the announcement today to protest the plans to expand the port.
Signs held by protesters said ‘Dublin Port: Neighbours from Hell’ and “They get no planning authorisation – We get no sleep”.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce said the long-term development of the port is crucial in maintaining Dublin as an internationally competitive city.
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