Ministers launch Review of National Ports Policy
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 19 October 2023
- Last updated on: 7 December 2023
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and Minister of State with responsibility for maritime transport Jack Chambers today (19 October) announced the commencement of the first phase of a public consultation for the Review of the National Ports Policy. Interested parties are invited to actively participate and contribute to shaping the future of maritime policy in Ireland.
The National Ports Policy provides the overarching policy framework for the governance and future development of Ireland's state port network. Since its introduction in 2013, the National Ports Policy has played a pivotal role in 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 required to effectively address the needs of our ports in the coming decade. A new roadmap is needed not only to navigate these challenges successfully but to capitalise on the new opportunities they present.
Launching the consultation, Minister Ryan emphasised the importance of engaging stakeholders and the public:
“Our Ports will continue to play a critical role in the future economic development of the country. As well as continuing to act as crucial hubs for the export and import of goods, a number of ports are expected to be central to our move to off-shore renewable energy. This is a timely opportunity for stakeholders and the public to have their say on the type of ports infrastructure and maritime sector we need to develop and build so that we balance the demands of the economy, the environment and wider society in a sustainable way.”
In support of the public consultation, Minister Chambers stated:
"The review of the National Ports Policy is a significant step in ensuring the development of our maritime transport industry. As facilitators for our national economy, the efficient functioning of our ports directly impacts the life of every citizen and it is essential our ports continue to have the capacity required to support continued growth while also embracing new opportunities. I strongly encourage 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. Further information can be found on Public Consultation for Review of National Ports Policy.
Notes
Phase One of the consultation process sees the publication of an Issues Paper. The Issues Paper on the National Ports Policy identifies 12 key themes that require policy responses to create a robust and purposeful policy framework. Throughout the paper, participants are provided with questions to assist them in formulating their contributions and to encourage the submission of any additional relevant issues for consideration.
In 2023, the Irish Ports Capacity Study was completed. This study evaluates the capacity of the port system to address both 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.