CONSIDERABLE 'uncertainties' still surround the Bremore Port development which is at pre-planning stage. A new consultants report on the County Meath port says that while both it and the proposed expansion of Dublin Port are uncertain, 'nothing should be done at policy level to hinder both'.

Carried out by a team of consultants led by Indecon International Economic Consultants, the report looked at the future role of Dublin Port and also the new Bremore Port.

The lengthy report highlighted the importance of Dublin Port to the economy with over 40% of national tonnage passing through the port.

But throughput will continue to decline in 2009 and into 2010, it adds with throughput levels not expected to rise to those seen in 2007 until after 2011.

The new Bremore port would mean reclamation of an area from the sea and the foreshore areas. The key environmental issue would be the location of the facility within an existing European 'nature conservation designated site', the document added.

Drogheda Independent, p.8, Wednesday, August 12th, 2009.