A new port is to be developed at Bremore near Balbriggan in north Co Dublin, as part of a joint venture between Drogheda Port and a private company.
Minister for Transport and the Marine Noel Dempsey today briefed the Government on his intentions to give Drogheda Port company permission to develop a joint facility at Bremore.
Legislation will have to be prepared and passed before the new port can go ahead.
It is understood that Castle Market Holdings will be Drogheda Port Company's partner in the planned port.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and the Marine said the proposed development would not have any implications for the future of Dublin Port.
Dublin City Council is currently carrying out a study into the future for the capital's port, which will be studied by the Department before any decisions are made on that issue.
Drogheda Port Company said today's Government decision was a positive move and they intend to move forward now with an Environmental Impact Statement
They hope to be in the planning process within a year. Work on the plan began five years ago, and aims to develop new facilities at Bremore at an estimated cost of €210m.
