Dublin Port is the largest freight and passenger port in Ireland with all cargo handling activities being carried out by private sector companies operating in intensely competitive markets within the Port. Dublin Port is one of five major ports classified as Tier 1 / Tier 2 ports in National Port Policy and categorised as core / comprehensive ports in the EU’s TEN-T network. Dublin Port’s large share of national port volumes, particularly in the Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo modes, arises due to a combination of two factors, location and depth of water. Dublin Port is a key part of the national port system and Dublin Port Company seeks to ensure that it plays its role in providing national port capacity. Dublin Port handles almost 50% of all trade in the Republic of Ireland. Located in the heart of Dublin City and at the hub of the national road and rail network, Dublin Port is a key strategic access point for Ireland and in particular the Dublin area.