Duty-free shop is planned for Ross la re

December 1984

CIE has confirmed that it is considering the provision of a duty-free shop at Rosslare Harbour.

Top official Cartan Finnegan announced at the weekend that the company has written to the Revenue Commissioners about the project, but a licence cannot be granted without a suitable building being erected first.

Mr Finnegan accepted there is currently no provision for a duty-free shop in the plans for a new terminal building at the port.

The move is already proving controversial as it has angered the shipping lines themselves and others.

The Rosslare Harbour Development Committee issued the following statement after a meeting held last Thursday night – ‘We could not support any competition with the shipping lines because they are the lifeblood of the port’.

Mr Finnegan had earlier said that the concept of a land-based duty-free shop similar to those in airports was being considered by CIE.

‘It is one avenue we are exploring and we have consulted with the Revenue Commissioners,’ the Assistant General Manager with responsibility for Marketing said.

But he added that no decision would be taken without consultation with the shipping lines – ‘our most valued customers,’ he described them as.

All three companies using Rosslare have already expressed concern at the threat to the duty-free business on board their ships if CIE goes into competition with them. Irish Continental Line has said it will consider withdrawing from the Co. Wexford port if the CIE moves go ahead.