Move Dublin Port ships to Rosslare – Murphy
A call has been made to move Dublin Port ships to Rosslare Europort to reduce carbon emissions and traffic woes in Dublin, while freeing up land for housing.
Independent TD Verona Murphy made the suggestion in the Dáil last week. ‘If you are talking about a programme for government the 7 per cent target being reached is the whole scenario. The talk is of the adverse effect it’s going to have on agriculture. The Dublin centric TDs have an “it’s only in my back yard” mentality, the opposite to NIMBYism.’
Deputy Murphy said the EU is demanding a greener Ireland and if a new government incorporating the Green party is to be formed the 7 per cent target has to be reached.
She said EU environmental limits have been exceeded at Dublin Port and on the M50. ‘There are 640 acres which can be used for housing that is badly needed and they can build houses to the density of the National Framework. 30,000 people could be employed during that alone.
‘Rosslare Europort is at 40 per cent capacity. For roll on, roll off Rosslare is the most appropriate because it’s the closest crossing to mainland Europe. It’s what hauliers and passengers want as they get to Europe four hours quicker.’
She said: ‘Dublin has already lost one significant shipping route from Dublin to Rotterdam, to Cork. Hauliers would much prefer to go anywhere but Dublin. Congestion at Dublin Port is causing the high nitrous oxide levels. When a truck stops and restarts it use a litre of fuel. In cities like Oslo, Copenhagen and Barcelona, these tourist destination cities have stopped developing their commercial ports and have started developing them elsewhere, instead developing cafes, art friendly studios etc. It’s not just the removal of traffic. All you need to do is to move ships from Rosslare.’
She said: ‘The money will come from Europe because it’s the green agenda. With the money that will come from Europe and the value of the land it’s tax neutral. How many other proposals are out there that are tax neutral? The suggestion is very logical.’