This study evaluates the ability of Ireland’s port system to handle current and future trade demands up to 2040, as outlined in the National Ports Policy (2013). It focuses on forecasting goods-related import and export demand, assessing both existing and planned port capacity, analyzing hinterland connectivity, and identifying risks that could impact future capacity. The assessment includes all Tier 1 and Tier 2 ports, ports of regional significance (excluding New Ross), the privately owned port of Greenore, and Northern Irish ports such as Belfast, Larne, and Warrenpoint. A key aim is to establish a standardized method for evaluating port demand and capacity, with baseline data drawn from Eurostat (2017) and port submissions from mid-2018.