It's believed the move could free up land in Dublin.
An entrepreneur has suggested establishing a central port in Portlaoise to free up land in Dublin.
That could then be used for housing and other developments.
Harry Crosbie says the approach has been tried in other countries:
He says there should be a central port facility for Ireland:
Portlaoise would be "very well situated" for a dry port, according to Laois Chamber Alliance.
CEO of Laois Chamber, Caroline Hofman says there are issues around congestion and accessibility in Dublin Port: