Conor D. McGuinness TD

Sinn Féin TDs for Waterford, David Cullinane and Conor D. McGuinness have welcomed the continued recognition of the Port of Waterford as a Port of National Significance in the Government’s draft revised National Ports Policy, but said the designation must now be matched by meaningful investment.

David Cullinane TD said:

“The Port of Waterford is one of the country’s most strategically important commercial ports and a vital economic asset for Waterford and the wider South East. The revised policy rightly recognises its national importance, but recognition alone is not enough.

“If Government is serious about balanced regional development, investment must follow. That means improving transport links, supporting future expansion and ensuring the Port can continue to grow and compete.

“It is disappointing that there is no meaningful reference to Dunmore East Harbour. It forms part of the wider maritime picture in Waterford and is an issue we will raise during the consultation process.

“We now need to see this policy translated into real investment.”

Conor D. McGuinness TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Chair of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, said:

“The policy recognises the growing importance of our ports to trade, offshore renewable energy and the wider maritime economy. The Port of Waterford is well placed to play a much greater role in each of these areas.

“As Chair of the Oireachtas Joint a Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, I want to see the South East, and Waterford in particular, playing an even stronger role in Ireland’s maritime economy. We must ensure that our natural maritime advantages deliver quality jobs, sustained investment and lasting benefits for local communities.

“The draft highlights the importance of better road and rail connectivity and preparing ports for future growth. Those ambitions must now be reflected in investment decisions for Waterford, including critical upgrades to the N24, N25 and rail links.”

The Deputies said they will engage with the consultation process and seek an early meeting with the Port of Waterford Company to discuss the policies and investment needed to maximise the Port’s strategic role in the South East and nationally.