Dublin’s docks are thriving – Byrne

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, has today (Thursday) welcomed figures released by Dublin Port Company showing a 7.3% increase in export and import trade for the year to date. Ferry passenger numbers are also up 5.5%.

“Today’s Dublin Port Company figures represent really exciting news for Dublin. As Ireland’s main port, it is a really good barometer of our economic performance. Total throughput in Dublin Port for the year to date was 23.1 million tonnes, representing a 7.3% increase on the same nine month period last year. To see that import and export trade has increased so significantly is a sure sign that the economy is growing again.

“It is very heartening also to see strong growth in Dublin Port’s Lo-Lo (Lift-on Lift-off) sector, which mainly comprises consumer goods. This is good news for the retail sector in Ireland

“Ferry passenger numbers increased by 5.5% over the same period showing that our tourism sector is strong and growing.

“Dublin port is the heart of the Dublin economy. My father worked in the docks all his life and I know the importance of the port for the local community as well as the wider economy.

“I am glad to hear the Dublin Port Company speak of their plans for continued investment in their facilities to meet Dublin’s trading needs. Dublin Port went through a difficult period during the recession and it is great to see it doing so well again. This is good for the Irish economy and good for Dublin.”