The Chief Executive of the Port of Waterford says business for them hasn't changed dramatically up to now.
The facility at Belview remains open as part of efforts to keep supply chains moving during the coronavirus pandemic. It's an essential link for businesses trading globally from the southeast region and beyond.
Export and import traffic continues through the Port and there was a 23% increase in container traffic and a 15% decrease in bulk throughput in the three months to 31 March this year compared to the same period in 2019.
Overall, the first quarter of the year saw 113 ship movements at Waterford compared to 112 in the same three months in 2019.
Frank Ronan, Chief Executive, Port of Waterford, said: "Protecting public health is clearly the top priority for everyone at present and that's as it should be. Some of the food and pharmaceutical shipments that we facilitate very much align with that effort.
"The team who operate the services at Belview can be very proud of how they have adjusted their ways of working to reduce the risk from COVID-19 and of the vital part they play in keeping imports and exports moving. We are also fortunate from a business perspective to have entered this period in strong financial shape so that we can hopefully come through the anticipated downturn.
"It's a very uncertain time in terms of the global economy and traffic through ports will always reflect trends over time. Overseas trade is the lifeblood of an open economy like Ireland's and will provide the basis for much of the recovery when the current pandemic phase ends so we will continue to work through this uncertain period and be ready to play our part in what follows."
