Purpose Statement

To provide a framework for the provision by port companies operating within the national transport chain of port services which are efficient, effective and adequate for the needs of our trading economy.

To expand Irish based ship ownership and to increase Irish seafarer employment.

The Strategic Objectives of the Maritime Transport Division are as follows:

• To facilitate the availability of commercial port services which are effective, competitive and cost efficient.
• To ensure adequate infrastructure at ports to cope with growing throughput and facilitate competitive shipping services in line with assessments of national seaport capacity to 2007.
• To facilitate the coordination and integration of maritime transport within the total transport chain.
• To implement the general strategic development framework for State regional ports and harbours through transfer of ownership to port companies or local authorities.
• To maintain and increase the Irish registered/managed fleet.
• To sustainably increase Irish seafarer and onshore maritime sector employment

Information Paper based on report of Fisher Associates consultants