A record number of passengers passed through Dublin Port as a result of the flight disruption caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland.
A total of 72,118 passengers travelled through the port between April 15th and 21st on Irish Ferries, Norfolkline, P&O, Seatruck Ferries and Stena Line ships, almost three times the usual weekly level.
Flights were cancelled after aviation authorities closed off airspace in northern Europe amid fears that the ash cloud created by the volcano could affect aircraft.
"The past week has been the busiest ever for Dublin Port Company's ferry terminals with over 72,000 passengers moving through Ireland's largest port following the unprecedented disruption of air traffic," said Dublin Port Company chief executive Enda Connellan.
Miniter for Transport Noel Dempsey said the disruption had shown how important the ports are to the movement of goods and people, and commended the ports and ferry companies for their handling of the unprecedented demand for their services.
Dublin Port Company will release full trade statistics for the first quarter of 2010 next week.
