Port of Cork Outlines Development Plans (Ireland)

Port of Cork Outlines Potential Plans for Port Development in Ringaskiddy

The Port of Cork Company outlined plans for potential Port development in Ringaskiddy and announced a number of key dates for public information days.

The proposed developments are the first phase of the implementation of the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan Review (2010), the core principles of which were endorsed in the recently launched National Ports Policy. This Policy has also identified the continued commercial development of the Port of Cork Company as a key strategic objective.

The proposed developments for consideration are an extension to the existing Port of Cork facilities at Ringaskiddy and may comprise of three main elements:

– A container terminal and multi-purpose berth to the east side of Ringaskiddy Basin;

– An extension to the existing deep-water berth and creation of additional cargo storage areas by reclamation to the west side of Ringaskiddy Basin;

– Improvements to the existing road entrance to the Ringaskiddy Deep-water Terminal to provide alternative access to the remainder of the port complex and associated road realignments.

The expanded facilities will facilitate, on a phased basis, the Port of Cork in transferring cargo handling activities from Tivoli and City Quays in due course. This will unlock significant opportunity for sustainable mixed use development in Cork City which is a key objective of the overall CASP Strategy. The Port of Cork is aiming to lodge a planning application with An Bord Pleanala in the third quarter of this year.

Speaking about the proposed developments, Mr Denis Healy, Manager Engineering Services, Port of Cork said: “In order to continue to cater for future growth within the Port of Cork and to provide efficient and cost effective port services for Munster businesses, we are currently engaged in pre-application discussions and would hope to lodge a planning application with An Bord Pleanala in the third quarter of this year.”

Mr Healy also outlined the specific drivers for this port development as;

– Current Navigational and Landside Constraints at Tivoli Container Terminal

– Need to Develop a New Deep-water Container Terminal capable of efficiently servicing Larger and Deeper Drafted Vessels

– Overcome Berthing and Landside Capacity Constraints at Ringaskiddy Deep-water Terminal

– Provide Certainty for all Stakeholders that Consolidated Replacement Facilities can be provided.

– Maximise the Utilisation of Existing Port Assets and Locations

– Need for Port to respond to changing Trade and Logistics Dynamics

– Flexibility to Respond to Needs as they arise in a Financially Sustainable Manner

He continued: “The Port of Cork is a key link to the economic success of Ireland, in particular the entire Munster region. 98% of goods imported or exported from Ireland are moved by ship, highlighting the importance of ports to our economy. The Port of Cork must continue to develop the Port in order to meet the needs of the Country in the short, medium and long-term.”

The Port of Cork has organised a number of Public Information days to allow interested parties around Cork Harbour to gain an understanding of the port’s proposed plans for development, but more importantly to avail the public of an opportunity to give feedback for consideration by the Port.

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Press Release, April 5, 2013