The Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring is to seek an urgent meeting with the Dublin Port Company CEO Eamonn O’Reilly in the coming days following a meeting with the All-Ireland Cruise Ship Action Group.
The All-Ireland Cruise Ship Action Group is a group of businesses across the tourism, retail and transport sectors that are campaigning against the Dublin Port Company’s shock ban on cruise ships entering Dublin Port from 2021.
According to the Group’s Lorcan O’Connor of Carroll’s Irish Gifts, who attended the meeting with the Lord Mayor; ‘’our meeting with the Lord Mayor today was very positive. It certainly highlights the lack of information the Dublin Port Company has given the public about this crucial issue which will seriously damage local businesses in Dublin and other port cities. The Lord Mayor holds the ceremonial position of Admiral of Dublin Port, but even he hadn’t been fully informed about the Dublin Port Company’s plans to destroy cruise tourism in our city.’’
Lorcan went on to say; ‘’The Lord Mayor has requested further information from us and will be seeking to facilitate a meeting between representatives from our Group and Eamon O’Reilly, the Chief Executive of Dublin Port. On behalf of our Group, I would like to thank the Lord Mayor for meeting us today and do what is best for Irish tourism.’’
The recent decision by the Dublin Port Company to stop cruise ships docking at Dublin Port from 2021 was taken without any consultations or engagement with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, local businesses, Dublin City Council, or the other Irish ports, namely Belfast, Waterford and Cork, who will be severely impacted by this decision.
The All-Ireland Cruise Ship Action Group is ramping up its campaign to reverse the decision by hosting a series of roadshows and media briefings across the island of Ireland, stopping off at principal locations such as Belfast, Cork and Waterford before traveling to the west and northwest of Ireland. The group is made up of concerned businesses in the retail, transport and tourism sectors who will be severely impacted by Dublin Port’s move. The group has the backing of DublinTown and Retail Excellence Ireland.
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Please note: a spokesperson is available for interview.
Contact:
Rory Sweeney Paul Allen
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