#ringsakiddy – The Port of Cork has welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for the Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment project in the lower harbour. The development, which will ultimately amount to an investment of around €100 million, will form an extension to the existing facilities that the Port currently operates in Ringaskiddy.

Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork said that while the decision and the conditions it entailed need to be considered in more detail, the Port is very pleased with the overall go-ahead from An Bord Pleanála. "Being able to accommodate larger vessels is of utmost importance if the Port of Cork is to remain competitive and continue to meet the needs of our customers and the economic developmental needs of the region. Today's decision will enable us to do this and in turn, future proof Cork as an international gateway for trade."

"We are conscious of the concerns raised by the residents of Cork harbour, particularly those raised at the oral hearing last September. We will be consulting further with residents and with all harbour users in relation to the development."

Securing future development potential for the Port of Cork, translates into significant economic benefits for Cork and the Munster region, as well as the national economy. 98% of goods imported or exported from Ireland are moved by ship, amounting to over €14 billion annually in Cork alone, highlighting the importance of ports to our economy.

This development is 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 National Ports Policy, which highlighted Cork as a Tier 1 port of national significance.

Phase 1 of the Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment project is expected to be operational in 2018. The overall project will facilitate, on a phased basis, the Port of Cork in transferring cargo handling activities from Tivoli and the City Quays in due course.

#lusitania – President Michael D Higgins will lead a commemoration event in Cobh on Thursday, 7th May to mark the centenary of the sinking of the Lusitania. The event, which will also be attended by a number of other VIPs including the British, German and US ambassadors to Ireland is expected to see a large turn-out and the public are advised that traffic and parking restrictions will be in place throughout the day.

Road closures will be in effect in Casement Square and on part of Westbourne Place from 11.30am until 10.30pm.

Captain Michael McCarthy, Commercial Manager of the Port of Cork who is lead organiser of the event said "We expect that up to 10,000 people from across Ireland and beyond, many of whom have personal connections to the Lusitania disaster, will descend on the town of Cobh to remember all those who lost their lives on the 7th May 1915. For anyone intending on travelling to the event, I would urge them to take the train as it is the easiest and most direct way to get to the heart of Cobh town where events will be taking place."

Irish Rail will be running additional services throughout the day on the Cork - Cobh line giving a service every 30 minutes from 06.30hrs until 19.30hrs. Cobh can also be accessed from stations at Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Little Island and Glounthaune, where free parking is available. For train timetables and for further information, please see www.irishrail.ie

Superintendent John Quilter said "Additional Gardaí will be in place for the day and will be aided by event stewards to ensure that everyone who attends has an enjoyable and safe experience. I would encourage all those travelling to Cobh to plan their travel in advance and to check for updates in relation to parking and traffic restrictions."
The main points are as follows:

· No parking at Westbourne Place and Casement Square.

· One way system going into Cobh along the High Road.

· One way system going out of Cobh along the Lower Road.

· Disabled parking is outside the Sirius Arts Centre on Lower Rd. – display badge and follow signage.

· Obey Directions of Gardaí and stewards at all times.

· Secure vehicles and don't leave valuables in them.

· Where applicable, display parking badges clearly en route to the event.

· Parking will be available at the Verolme Cork Dockyard adjacent to Rushbroke rail station. Additional parking will be available at Cobh Pirates Rugby Club and the Cathedral car park.

The Cross-River Ferry will run two vessels throughout the day for those travelling from the west side of the harbour.

#portofcork – The Port of Cork today outlined plans for Phase 1 of the Bantry Inner Harbour Development which the Port of Cork will undertake on behalf of its subsidiary company, Bantry Bay Port Company.

The scheme marks the start of the regenerating of the inner harbour and is in keeping with the total Inner Harbour Development scheme which was developed by the Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners in 2012 and planning permission was granted in 2013.

Now being advanced by the Bantry Bay Port Company, the scheme will provide a more sheltered harbour environment and marina with increased water depth and improved pier facilities which will promote fishing and tourism activities in the Bantry area.

Phase 1, which is likely to cost €8.5m, will consist of the following principal elements:
· 20 berth Marina (quayside pontoons)

· Dredging to a depth of 4 metres to allow vessels access to the inner harbour

· Remedial works to Town Pier (widening and extending)

· 4,000m2 of reclaimed landscaped amenity area

· Construction of 60m long floating breakwater pontoon

· Beach nourishment at Cove site

Commenting on the development, Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork said that there are many benefits for Bantry and the wider Harbour area in undertaking such a project. "Works to the Town Pier will ensure improved longevity of the existing pier structure and improved access and facilities on the pier will facilitate existing activities and hopefully generate more commercial activity for Bantry Harbour. There will be improved berthage available for larger marine vessels and the Company would hope that this will lead to an upturn in marine leisure in and around Bantry Harbour" he said.

It is expected that construction will commence on the project in Q4 2015 and will be complete in Q1 2017. The work will be phased in order to minimise impacts to pier operations and to minimise traffic and amenity impacts for the town.

Bantry Bay is the largest of the long marine inlets in south-west Ireland. It is approximately 35 km long, running in a south-west to north-easterly direction. The entrance to the bay is approximately 10 km wide, steadily narrowing to 3-4 km at its head. Bere Island, situated on the north shore adjacent to CastletownBere, and Whiddy Island lying near the head of the bay on the southern shore are the two largest islands in the bay.

#portofcorkengineer – The Port of Cork has advertised for a Project and Development Engineer to mange its engineering services. The position requires a leader with a civil engineering degree and ten years post graduate experience. The role is advertised intoday's Irish Times newspaper. A copy of the advert is downloadable below.

#diasporamuseum – The governement has altered course on plans for a national emigrant museum because it fears a backlash from rejected bidders ahead of the general election, according to a report into today's Sunday Business Post newspaper.

Inspite of a drawing up a plan to draw 300,000 visitors annually to a new national facility  the government is now aiming at smaller regional museums instead.

Dun Laoghaire and Cork harbour were among sites considered in the plan. Both ports had advanced amibitious plans for a national diaspora project. 

The Port of Cork's Company's Custom House and Bonded Warehouse buildings located along the city's central quays, were to be converted into a major €15m museum that will tell the story of Ireland's emigration.

In Dun Laoghaire on Dublin bay, port chief executive Gerry Dunne made the case for a diapora centre in the South Dublin port town at a gathering in the House of Lords in London in January 2013. The museum, to be located on the town's Carlisle Pier, forms a major part of the harbour's regeneration plan. 

#portofcork – Total traffic through the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port Company in 2014 reached a total of 10.1 million tonnes. Following the transfer of Bantry Bay Harbour to the Port of Cork Company in January 2014, both Ports performed well in the circumstances with some sectors performing strongly while others experienced a decline due to a favourable harvest for Irish farmers in the summer and autumn of 2014 when compared to 2013.

Container volumes through both Tivoli and Ringaskiddy Container Terminals in the Port of Cork showed an exceptional growth of 13% compared to 2013 figures with over 190,000 TUEU's handled. This is very encouraging and the Port is confident that this level of growth can be maintained through 2015 and beyond with expectations that we will be at record numbers of container import and export

Despite the excellent performance in the container business, overall traffic in both Ports experienced a drop of 4% in trade on 2013. This was primarily due to unseasonably fine weather in 2014 which saw a reduction of 22% in both animal feed and cereal imports and generally challenging market conditions which affected overall traffic. An improvement in financial performance is expected in 2015 over the same period.

Oil traffic through Whitegate Oil Refinery, currently owned and operated by Phillips 66 continues to have a significant impact on the overall traffic through the Port of Cork. Oil traffic through the Port of Cork in 2014 experienced a marginal 1.5% decrease on 2013 primarily due to the maintenance shut-down in the Whitegate refinery which affected refining six weeks in July and August of 2014. Traffic from the Bantry Bay Oil Storage Terminal also currently operated by Phillips 66 which accounts for 100% of the commercial traffic through Bantry Bay Port, saw an 11% decrease in oil traffic in 2014.

Speaking about the end of year trade traffic results, Chairman John Mullins said: "We are very encouraged by the significantly increased container volumes in 2014 and I am confident that we can sustain this growth in 2015 while continuing to seek other opportunities for increasing trade through the port. Consumer confidence is on the rise and we expect that this in turn will bring a surge in consumer goods imported during 2015. Our move to Ringaskiddy is vitally important to meet expected growth."

He continued "The decrease in traffic volumes during 2014 is primarily due to a reduction in imports of animal feeds, cereals, salt and coal combined with a lack of oil exploration activity compared to 2013."

The Port of Cork cruise business continues to grow year on year and 2014 was no exception. 53 cruise liners called to Cork in 2014, reflecting the global shift towards new 'mega ships' which can carry in excess of 4,000 passengers. These 53 liners in 2014 brought over 119,000 passengers and crew to the region. These transit visitors are a welcome economic stimulus for Cork, bringing a much needed boost to the local economy for eight months of the year. Work has commenced on upgrading the facilities at Cobh Cruise Terminal which will enable 'Quantum Class' vessels, which are largest liners currently operating in Europe today, to be berthed there and the Port of Cork continues to work closely with cruise lines to increase calls to both Port of Cork and Bantry Bay.

Brittany Ferries had another positive year with their seasonal service from Cork to Roscoff carrying almost 79,000 passengers in 2014. This figure is on a par with 2013 and it is hoped that 2015 will be another busy year for Brittany Ferries when sailings resume in March.

The Port of Cork continues to await a decision on a planning application which was lodged in May 2014 with An Bord Pleanála for new and improved port infrastructure in Ringaskiddy. As a Tier 1 port of national significance, it is vital that this much needed infrastructure can go ahead allowing the Port of Cork to provide facilities which will address the current operating constraints in the City Quays, Tivoli and Ringaskiddy and bring a much needed stimulus to the local economy.

The Port of Cork is committed to seeking out new business opportunities for the Port and in particular, the agri-food business will be a key sector which the Port of Cork is keen to develop.

Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork says: "The Agri sector presents huge opportunities for the port's exports, with the lifting of the Common Agriculture Policy production limits this year and a projected national dairy output growth of 50% largely concentrated in Muster and South Leinster."

The Port of Cork Schools Initiative is now in its tenth year and aims to educate 5th class primary school children about the rich history associated with Cork Harbour and to highlight the importance of having a local port to facilitate the connectivity to world markets. The initiative also gives children a better understanding of where cargo comes from and how Ireland, as an island depends on Ports for trading. This year's theme (2015) 'RMS Lusitania – Commemorating 100 Years in 2015' focuses on the sinking of the Lusitania which is an important event in the history of Cork Harbour. All participating 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative will be treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour, compliments of the Port of Cork.

The Port of Cork's recreational strategy continues to expand with the aim of improving the marine leisure facilities around Cork Harbour.

#Ringaskiddy - Port of Cork Company plans for a €100m Ringaskiddy redevelopment of its cargo-handling facilities have been hit with a further delay, writes the Irish Examiner.

An Bord Pleanála has written to the company instructing it to submit a revised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and screening assessments which will have to be put in place before it can consider approval.

This includes the impact of the proposed dumping of dredged material necessary to undertake the Ringaskiddy project.

An Bord Pleanála said it considers this to be an activity directly connected to the proposed development and its impact was not properly assessed in the EIS the company originally submitted.

In addition, it wants the resubmitted EIS "to address the potential in combination effects" arising from all relevant permitted and proposed plans and projects in the vicinity of Ringaskiddy, including the permitted development of a 74-berth marina in Cobh, which was not acknowledged in the EIS.

The Port of Cork has been instructed to have the revised EIS submitted to An Bord Pleanála by February 23. The company had expected a decision on its planning application by the end of last year.

For more news on the proposed Ringaskiddy development, click HERE.

Almost a year ago plans and details outlining the redevelopment site in lower Cork Harbour to include 3D display's for a public consultation were made open.

#portofcork – The Port of Cork has launched their Schools Initiative for 2015 and is encouraging all 5th class primary school teachers to get their class involved. This year's theme 'RMS Lusitania – Commemorating 100 Years in 2015' focuses on the sinking of the Lusitania which is an important event in the history of Cork Harbour.

The Port of Cork Schools Initiative aims to educate 5th class primary school children about the rich history associated with Cork Harbour and to highlight the importance of having a local port to facilitate the imports and exports of trade. The initiative also gives children a better understanding of where cargo comes from and how Ireland, as an island depends on Ports for trading.

All participating 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative will be treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour, compliments of the Port of Cork and each class will also receive a certificate of participation. The 'Best Overall Project' will receive a tour on board one of the many large cruise liners visiting Cork during the summer of 2015. In addition to this, an award will also be given for 'Best Artwork Piece'.

Speaking about the 2015 theme, Port of Cork Chief Executive Brendan Keating said: "We are delighted to be launching our tenth Schools Initiative which has gone from strength to strength each year. The theme this year will hopefully encourage school children to study the Port of Cork and the rich history of Cork Harbour. The centenary of the Lusitania this year is an important occasion which will be marked with a commemorative event in Cobh on the 7th May."

He continued; "Every year we have up to thirty schools participating and we hope this year we will have the same or more. This is an educational initiative open to primary schools in the Cork City and Harbour area."

Projects are to be presented in artwork format using painting and models. All submitted projects will go on public display in the Cobh Maritime Building before the winner is announced in May 2015. Closing date for entries is Friday 27th March 2015.

For more information on this year's schools initiative or to arrange a visit by the Port of Cork to your school, please contact Sinead Keary, Commercial Department, Port of Cork. Email [email protected] or call 021 4625375.

#portofcork – The Port of Cork will invest over €1.5 million in upgrading facilities at Cobh Cruise liner Terminal, Ireland's only dedicated cruise berth, with the installation of a number of high load mooring bollards at the east and west end of the Cobh Cruise Berth which will enable larger ships to be berthed.

The work which will commence before the end of January is expected to be completed by April 2015 in time to welcome the first cruise call on 24th April. In total, 55 cruise liners are scheduled to call to Cork in 2015, 10 of which are maiden calls and 20 of which will be carrying in excess of 3,000 passengers.

Speaking about the upgrades, Captain Michael McCarthy said "The Port of Cork Company is committed to developing the cruise business into Cork and these upgrades of our cruise berth in Cobh will enable us to accommodate 'Quantum Class' vessels which are the largest cruise liners currently operating in Europe. The global trend in the cruise industry is changing from smaller, high end ships to large 'mega ships' such the 'Quantum Class' vessels which can carry in excess of 4,000 passengers.

"Attracting these 'mega ships' to Cobh would be a huge advantage, not only for the Port but for the entire Cork region. We know that the cruise industry is worth between €13 and €14 million annually to Cork alone so there are some major opportunities for the tourist industry to capitalise on this."

During the initial period of construction, there will be some temporary changes to parking at the east end of the Five Foot Way car park in Cobh and some limitations for pedestrian access. However the Port of Cork will ensure that any disruption is minimised and appreciates the understanding and co-operation from car park users whilst construction is underway.

#CorkMakeover - In an image published on the Irish Independent (click here), this is what Cork harbour will look after a massive €1bn makeover that will transform it from an industrial eyesore, into one of the world's great maritime and tourism centres.

Cork ranks as one of the world's five great natural harbours and, in the 19th century, was arguably the most important port for Britain's Royal Navy as it controlled the Atlantic approaches.

In the early 20th century, Cork harbour was also one of the world's busiest cruise liner ports and was associated with such famous ships as RMS Titanic, RMS Lusitania and HMS Dreadnought.

Cobh Harbour was the last mooring of the Titanic before she set sail for the open Atlantic in 1912,never to return. The White Star Line office, where tickets were bought for the ill-fated sailing, is now a museum and heritage centre based around the massive liner.

But over 100 years of under-investment and problematic industrial projects has left Cork with a depressing harbour legacy. For more on this story, click HERE.