2.5.1 Dublin Port Company

2.5 Ports of National Significance (Tier 1)

2.5.1 Dublin Port Company Dublin Port Company is the State’s largest port company. It handles approx. 43% of all seaborne trade in the State. The port’s importance is even more pronounced in the higher-value unitised (LoLo and RoRo) sectors, where it handles approx. 70% of all LoLo and 85% of all RoRo trade in the State (IMDO, 2012a).

The criteria used by the European Commission are broadly similar to those used in identifying the Ports of National Significance (Tier 1). These are the ports that:

• are responsible for at least 15% to 20% of overall tonnage through Irish ports, and

In February 2012, Dublin Port published its Masterplan, which sets out a vision of development over the next 30 years. The plan represents a comprehensive framework for the long-term development of the port and is underpinned by three core principles:

• have clear potential to lead the development of future port capacity in the medium and long term, when and as required.

Three ports are proposed for inclusion in the TEN-T core network: Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes. These ports are also identified in National Ports Policy as Ports of National Significance (Tier 1). The continued commercial development of these three Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) is a key objective of National Ports Policy.

• Maximisation of usage of existing port lands.

• Reintegration of the port with the city.

• Development of the port to the highest environmental standards.

In relation to the TEN-T core network, it is proposed that the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) Ports Cluster be included as a core port. This port cluster concept encompasses the existing ports within the GDA, and any future port facilities that might be developed up to 2050. This is consistent with the current Regional Planning Guidelines for the GDA 2010–2022, which support examination of the expansion of Dublin Port and/or a new port facility on the east coast of the GDA.

It is recognised that the location of Dublin Port Company inevitably gives the port competitive advantage over other ports and will give rise to competition concerns. However, a continuation and strengthening of the landlord model of operation in the port’s estate will allow for continued intra-port competition between the privately operated port terminals within the port estate.

The Government endorses the core principles underpinning the company’s Masterplan, and the continued commercial development of Dublin Port Company is a key strategic objective of National Ports Policy.

However, National Ports Policy categorises only Dublin Port Company as a Port of National Significance (Tier 1)1 within the Greater Dublin Area.

Table 2.4: Dublin Port Company overview

	1998*	2010	2011
Tonnage (’000)	13,240	19,548	19,467
	45,240	66,969
Operating Profit (€’000)	20,415	27,031	27,830
	14,063	20,534
Employees	455	152	145

• 1998 was the first full financial year as a commercial port company

1 National Ports Policy categorises Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company and Drogheda Port Company as Ports of Regional Significance (see section 2.7).