The Government has been urged to invest in the State's 11 ports in the next national development plan, given their estimated €5.5 billion annual worth to the economy.
The ports also support about 57,500 full-time employees, according to 2004 figures for a consultancy study published yesterday.
The study by Indecon Consultants was commissioned by the Irish Ports Association and presented to Minister of State for Transport Pat "the Cope" Gallagher at a function in Dublin. Ireland traded almost 56 million tonnes of merchandise in 2004. Exports accounted for over two-thirds of Gross National Product, while the combined value of exports and imports amounted to some €135 billion.
The report points out that trade with other countries contributed €33.2 billion to the economy during 2004.
Irish Ports Association chairman Eamon Bradshaw welcomed the report and warned of the negative consequences of failing to invest further in port infrastructure. Mr Bradshaw called on the Government to ensure investment in ports was a "central pillar" of the next national development plan.
Mr Gallagher said that the report would provide a "useful source of information".