The development of Dublin Port would attract greater numbers of visitors to the city, according to Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Bay South Jim O'Callaghan.

Mr O'Callaghan has renewed his calls following the docking of the MSC Splendida cruise liner in the port last weekend.

He said: "Last August I called for Dublin Port to become Ireland’s ‘Home Port’ for cruise tourism, which would mean it is developed so it would be capable of facilitating larger cruise ships, and in turn greater numbers of visitors to the city and beyond. While it is important that we focus on air travel as a means of encouraging tourists to Ireland, we should not ignore the great potential which our sea ports also offer us.

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"By 2020, Dublin Port's €230m Alexandra Basin Redevelopment Project will allow it host the world’s largest cruise ships – up to 362m in length. I support the efforts which are underway to promote and develop Dublin as a 'home' or 'turnaround' port for cruise ships, with itineraries beginning and ending in the capital as opposed to simply hosting cruise calls."

(CD/MH)