IRELAND REPORT The past twelve months have seen positive action and enquiry concerning the new Irish Maritime Legislation Proposals. In particular the Tonnage Tax, and Shipping Registration have attracted great interest. The full introduction of the schemes is eagerly awaited, and is at an advanced stage. The approval and agreement between the Irish Government and Commission are in process of being finalised, and the Shipping Industry is already investigating what improvement can be made to the Fleet nationally, The Marine Service Sector is researching how a Maritime Cluster can be established , and all services offered within Ireland. It is recognised that Ireland must be competitive in its maritime trading, and great strides have been made by Shipowners and the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources to provide the right environment to succeed. The Irish Fleet has increased again, and it is clear Shipowners are confident in the future. Tonnage entered has from 193,000 Gross tonnes to 269,792 Gross Tonnes. Main developments have been in the Car Ferry and Bulk Sector. The Car Ferry " ULYSSES" 50,938 GT is in the Irish Ferries service on the Dublin/Holyhead corridor, while Arklow Shipping continue to renew and upgrade their fleet, with twenty-eight ships entered with the Chamber totalling 134,830 gross tonnes. Short Sea Shipping is very important to Ireland. The Irish Marine Development Office is actively perusing ways and means to encourage more use of Sea Transport. The majority of trade to and from Ireland is carried by Sea, and it is vital all the operating factors are right. The Chamber is also monitoring the Directive on Port Services to see the Shipowners point of view is kept well to the fore. The Irish Chamber of Shipping values the views of ECSA in all Shipping Policy Matters, and appreciates the up to date information supplied. It is confident the next twelve months will show further increased trends in shipowners choosing to register their ships under the Irish Flag.