Dublin port weighs expansion

Dublin port weighs expansion

   Dublin Port moved more than 14 million tons of cargo in the first half of 2006, a 6.5 percent increase over the prior year, and Irish officials are warning that the port faces capacity challenges in years ahead.

   The port, which handled about 26.9 million tons of cargo in 2005 is considering expansion along the Northeastern perimeter of the port on reclaimed land, according to a report in the Irish Examiner.

   Port officials are also expressing concern about a decision by the Dublin City Council to ban large trucks from the city center when the Dublin tunnel opens later this year, saying it would delay the movement of goods and increase costs.