Decision to privatise port is irresponsible - O' Connell

News that New Ross port is to be privatised has been met with criticism by local Sinn Féin.  Oisin O' Connell described the planned sale of the country's only inland port has been irresponsible and part of the governments carboot sale of Irelands valuable public assets.

"Our commercial ports are vital to future economic growth," Mr O' Connell said.  "Much has rightly been made of the huge potential offered by new developments at Rosslare Europort.  New Ross port has unfortunately not received the same level of attention.  This is quite unfair as it is International Ship and Port Facility Security code compliant and has huge untapped potential as we look towards Ireland being a major exporter of new tech in the years ahead."

"New Ross is an ideal location for importing and exporting materials because of its location and access to major transport routes.  With the construction of the New Ross bypass in the next few years making access to motorways linking to Cork and Dublin even easier, the strategic importance of New Ross port cannot be downplayed."

"The New Ross Port Company has been a limited company since 1997, but it still under the control of the state.  Selling it off at cut rate price to private holders is economic madness.  It's the equivalent of selling the family home at a carboot sale so we can pay off the loan on the car."

"New Ross Port must be kept in public ownership and developed as a vital strategic asset for the day when the tide turns and our economy finally picks up."