Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has slammed plans to double the capacity of Dublin Port as "untenable".
Dublin Port Company unveiled plans to expand the Port and build a new bridge and 2.2km of road across the River Liffey earlier last month. Under the plans, the Port's capacity to transport goods via truck will double.
The 3FM project argues the road and bridge will take trucks off local roads. However, the Green Party leader told RTE the plans would "clog" the M50 and should include rail freight.
He said: "Dublin Port is a critical piece of infrastructure for the country and the city. It is a really good company. It operates really efficiently. It is critical that it succeeds for all our futures.
"There is a plan now to double its capacity. It already handles about half of the traffic into the country - most of that is by truck by roll on roll off or by lift off trailers.
"It is planned to double that. I don't see that that level of growth as feasible, tenable or in line with our climate and other targets like the circular economy targets.
"Also, recognising we are also investing very significantly in Cork Port, in Shannon Foynes."
He added: "The ongoing reliance on trucks taking all that increase - massive increase - to 77 million tonnes from 35 million tones today onto an M50 that is already at full capacity. And relaying on a truck based system instead of looking to the future like other countries and other ports are doing to decarbonise and to start bringing back rail freight.
"We cannot continue to see our roads clogged, emissions continue to rise and an ongoing projection of just doubling everything in a way that is not sustainable."
A spokesman for Dublin Port said the body is open to engaging Minister Ryan in further discussion on the issue.
He added: "The 3FM project is consistent with the Dublin Port Masterplan 2040 which was first published in 2010 and has already seen planning secured for two other major capital projects. 3FM – the third and final project - was initiated in 2021 and is now in its second consultation phase which has seen public information evenings held throughout this week.
"Dublin Port is fully committed to the sustainable development of its assets in line with its statutory responsibilities and the national priorities and we will take all views and feedback into account as part of this process. The Masterplan, including the 3FM project, is fully aligned with EU policy, National policy, Regional policy and local policy."
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