Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for Ports Seán Canney today announced the launch of a public consultation on the draft revision of the National Ports Policy, following Government approval.

The public consultation launches today, 3 July, and will remain open for eight weeks.

The revised National Ports Policy is a key element of Ireland’s transport strategy, aiming to ensure international connectivity in a sustainable manner. It implements the Programme for Government commitments to support investment in our commercial and passenger port infrastructure, supporting offshore renewable energy development and ensuring ports have the future capacity to meet the needs of our economy.

“The revision of the National Ports Policy sets out the updated policy framework for the State-owned commercial port sector. 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.”

“The revision builds on the success of its predecessor, the National Ports Policy 2013. That policy provided the platform for our State-owned commercial port network to align with both the national planning framework and national development goals, and the EU’s Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) Network. 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.”

“I welcome the milestone of this draft revision of the National Ports Policy. I have a deep appreciation of the balance provided by the large commercial Ports of National Significance, and the smaller community-based Ports of Regional Significance. Our ports are critical national assets, supporting trade, connectivity, regional development and Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable economy.

“I look forward to the same high level of stakeholder engagement in this second public consultation as was achieved during the first, which was based on a thematic Issues Paper. Over 70 responses to that consultation were received and carefully assessed by officials in my Department.”