Dublin Port Company's 10th Birthday Marks Ten Years Of Growth

Trade levels at Dublin Port reached an all-time high of 29.3 million tonnes in 2006 and are experiencing further rapid growth as imports and exports increase by 10% in the first half of 2007.

The figures, contained in the latest annual report from the Dublin Port Company, also show that containerised trade, which represents three-quarters of the port's traffic, has seen the most significant rise with 10% growth in RoRo units and 15% growth in LoLo units in 2006. With these strong levels of growth, throughput at Dublin Port is expected to exceed 30 million tonnes in 2007.

Following a number of years of decline in ferry travel, the sector seems to be experiencing a turnaound in fortunes.

In 2006, ferry passenger numbers only marginally decreased by 0.8% compared to 14.2% in 2005 and significantly tourist traffic for the first half of 2007 has increased by 17%.

Operating profits also were up, increasing by 36.4% in 2006 to €25.6 million.

A key driver of this rise has been Dublin Port Company's growth in revenue, which increased 7.9% to €66.4 million and the continued focus in reducing the Company's cost base, which saw total operating costs decrease to €40.8 million in 2006 from €42.7 million in 2005. Dublin Port Company also remains focused on staffing efficiencies, resulting in 2006 being the fifth consecutive year of payroll decrease with a 7.7% decrease, of payroll expenditure in this year.

Commenting at the launch of the 2006 report and 2007 trading figures, Mr Enda Connellan, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company said that he was. "pleased to announce the tenth consecutive year of growth in throughput. Dublin Port Company continues to deliver increases in turnover and profit levels by reducing costs and increasing throughput while maintaining the Port's cost competitiveness by not increasing port charges.

"Dublin Port remains the port of choice for importers and exporters. Over 80% of imports arriving at Dublin Port are consumer goods, destined for retail outlets in the city and surrounding areas. With 50% of all imports staying within the M50, Dublin Port remains the most effective way of accessing Ireland's largest market.