MICHAEL SHEARY,
Sir, - Recent correspondents have loosely bundled together a number of issues in an attempt to sustain a point that is not actually supported by what is happening at Dublin Port.
It is important to note that Dublin Port is the preferred option of the market for the handling of 46 per cent by volume of all imports and exports from the State. This is because those using the port consider it the most effective and efficient option for them to serve the needs of their own businesses and their customers.
In that context the facilities of Dublin Port are a vital link in the export trade that is sustaining the growth in our economy, while it also facilitates Irish consumers in having a wider range of goods to choose from, from the supermarket shelf to the car showroom.
The continuing growth of the economy and the reality - whether desirable or not - that this is concentrated in and around the greater Dublin area means that more people want to move more goods in and out through Dublin Port. In response, shipping companies have built bigger ships to service that demand as cost-effectively as possible.
Those ships in turn demand bigger, deeper berths. The Dublin Port Company is charged with the responsibility of responding to that demand, on a commercial basis.
Despite the €120 million invested in new and improved infrastructure within the port over the past five years, we are quickly getting to a point where we will not have sufficient quay wall space adjacent to deep water to service the needs of the market.
To overcome that problem, Dublin Port Company is seeking to extend the existing deep-water capacity of the port. The need is not for land in itself - what is important is its location. All of the existing land adjacent to deep water is now in taken up in servicing the existing need. If the land available can't service deep-water ships it has no scope to help meet the capacity needs of Dublin Port. This operational reality is the sole basis for the extension proposal.
It is important that all of us with interests in Dublin Bay - be they economic, environmental or leisure - do not begin to think that our objectives can only be met to the exclusion of others.
This company recognises the sensitivity of any proposal to extend the port and the historical context against which it is being made.
We too are citizens of the Dublin Bay area. We fully accept that its amenity must be maintained and we have a huge responsibility to discharge in that respect. Great care has been taken, therefore, in considering all of the options and impacts - economic and environmental - arising from the need for extended port capacity. This includes extensive assessment of issues or potential issues such as siltation, flooding, wildlife, flora and amenity value.
The application submitted to Government earlier this year is widely available for inspection - particularly in local public libraries (at Raheny, Marino, Charleville Mall, Ringsend and the ILAC Centre) in Port Centre and on the Internet at www.dublinport.ie - and we welcome any views or comments thereon. - Yours etc.,
MICHAEL SHEARY,
Company Secretary,
Dublin Port Company,
Alexandra Road,
Dublin 1.