Dublin Port Company says that trade levels stabilised in the second half of last year after weak levels in the first half of 2009.
Total imports and exports at Dublin Port fell by 10% in 2009, but the fall was better than expectations of a decline of 14%.
Figures from Dublin Port Company show the strongest performance was in the tourism sector, where ferry passenger numbers rose by 18% to 1.5 million. Almost 80 cruise liners called in at Dublin during the year, contributing about €35-50m to the local economy.
But containerised trade, which accounts for 78% of Dublin Port's activity, fell by 10% last year. This trade is made up of consumer goods and the reduction is a reflection of the fall in retail sales during the year.
