Cork citizens who want to see possible next steps in the expansion of the Port of Cork will be able to join a public consultation on the plans from October 5 to 7 next.
Following the opening of the new Cork Container Terminal at Ringaskiddy last Friday, port management will be displaying its Port Masterplan 2050, aimed at adapting to “a shifting landscape in port operations” and planning its development as a “key global port” of the future.
Chair Michael Walsh said: “The port is on a journey towards consolidating its activities to the lower harbour area — away from Cork City, due to ever-increasing ship vessel sizes, creating a ‘river to sea port’. This eventual move will free up development land in the city centre, which will help facilitate the future development of the City Quays and Tivoli Docks for both residential and commercial use.
“Supporting the local community and the economy is the cornerstone of our approach towards the vision for the future. The emerging concepts as part of the ‘Port Masterplan 2050’ are prepared to help steer our journey as we adapt to the needs of the Ireland of tomorrow, from infrastructure and sustainability requirements to enhancing the maritime leisure facilities in our beautiful natural harbour.
“We would like to extend an invitation to all interested parties to attend our public consultation days, to view the emerging concepts and to have their say in the future of the Port of Cork.”
The rather short consultation period runs only from Wednesday 5 October to Friday 7, with physical presentations from 1.00pm to 7.00pm each day.
In Association with
Wednesday at Ringaskiddy Terminal Building; Thursday at Páirc Uí Chaoimh (access via Centre Park Road and The Marina); and Friday at Sirius Art Centre, Cobh.
According to the port company, the masterplan will be a regional one, viewing the estuary as a whole, with consideration of the maritime, land-side and transport connectivity constraints and opportunities.
A number of concept proposals are presently being developed in response to the projected market growth in commodities served by the Port whilst also considering developing opportunities in future cargoes such as offshore wind and green energy fuels.
The official opening of the company’s Ringaskiddy container terminal on Friday 23 September “is a hugely important milestone for the PoCC and represents the largest single investment in marine infrastructure of any Irish port over the last 100 years,” said the company.
The new terminal, which is the result of an €89m investment, became operational in April 2022 and enables the port to deliver more efficient container handling facilities.
At the official opening, Walsh commented: “CCT represents the biggest investment in port infrastructure in the history of the state. It will bring further efficiency to the port with major benefits to the local and national economy. By increasing the efficiency of infrastructure, the costs of trade will reduce, which in turn helps to reduce inflation and the cost of living. It will also bring value to exporters, and a boost to Irish business.”
The Port of Cork is the world’s second-largest natural harbour and a key international gateway. It is the key seaport in the south of Ireland and is one of the three ‘Ports of National Significance’ (Tier 1) as designated by National Ports Policy.
A multi-model port, it is one of just two ports in Ireland to service all six shipping modes — lift on/ lift off, roll-on/ roll-off, liquid bulk, dry bulk, break bulk and cruise.
The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) is a commercial semi-state company responsible for the commercial running of Cork harbour as well as the navigation and berthage in the port. It employs 150 staff directly and supports thousands of jobs involved with maritime trade and services.
The port’s facilities and operations are situated at four locations: The City Quays provide the service for bulks, both Tivoli and Ringaskiddy provide the lift on/ lift off, roll-on/ roll-off and bulks services, while Cobh caters for cruise liners with Ireland’s only dedicated deep-water berth for cruise ships, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
