Dublin urged to act as Belfast Harbour’s €106m cash injection for cruise-liners will boost tourism numbers in the North only.
Strong competition from Belfast Port could see vital tourism business slip away from Dublin, the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) has warned.
The CTTC pointed out that Dublin Port should take immediate steps to improve its cruise ship offering in the face of strong competition from Belfast Port, which has just announced a significant €106m cash injection in passenger facilities.
“Cruise visitors bring enormous economic and societal benefits, not just to the capital but to the entire country”
Ireland’s leading representative body for private bus operators, the CTTC has expressed serious concerns about the impact on Dublin of Belfast Harbour’s plan, warning this will lure cruise ships and visiting tourists away from Dublin to Northern Ireland.
Slipping away
The CTTC says that failure to expand Dublin Port’s cruise liner facilities is already costing millions in lost revenue for Dublin and the East Coast of Ireland. It’s limiting visitor numbers, retail footfall, and the overall visitor experience.
Major cities across Europe are capitalising on high-spending cruise tourism, yet Dublin Port is not taking advantage of this lucrative market, said William Martin, the chair of CTTC.
“Dublin Port is a vital gateway for Irish Tourism, acting as a conduit to key tourist destinations across the island. Dublin’s failure to accommodate cruise tourism is directly impacting our economy and Ireland Inc. The contrast with Belfast is very disappointing.
He urged that Dublin Port needs to match Belfast’s investment with improved passenger facilities and more cruise berths.
Otherwise, he warned, tourism businesses in the greater Dublin area will suffer even greater losses, with the negative effects being felt almost immediately. It has also called on the incoming Government to take immediate action.
“Cruise visitors bring enormous economic and societal benefits, not just to the capital but to the entire country,” Martin said.
“It is time for Dublin Port and policymakers to recognise this and take immediate action to prevent further losses. CTTC are calling for urgent action to support the tourism sector in Ireland. It is critical that we are not left behind.”
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