Cork Chamber, the voice of business in the city, today welcomed the All-Island Strategic Rail Review Final Report's inclusion of among its recommendations to the report to develop a freight link at Marino Point, Cork Harbour, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The joint report by the Department of Transport and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland, published yesterday its Final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, developed in the context of the “New Decade, New Approach” agreement. The report, which has been described by both administrations as ground-breaking, sets out a strategic vision for the development of the rail system across the island of Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions.
Commenting on the published report, Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy, said “The publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review Final Report is a significant milestone in our journey to be a more connected and sustainable island. Connectivity is the cornerstone of a successful country and is key to the future economy of Cork as it continues to grow and as we strive to become one of Europe’s first climate-neutral cities by 2030. Enhancing our transportation system and connectivity within the Cork region and between other cities, towns, and villages is a top priority."
Mr. Healy welcomed the report’s recommendations on the electrification of rail lines, stating, “The commitment to the electrification of rail lines throughout the country in the final report is very positive. Delivery of this will be transformative and will contribute significantly to reducing Ireland’s carbon footprint.
He added, “We are also pleased that our recommendation that Marino Point in the Port of Cork be included as a location for the development of rail-based port freight transport infrastructure has been included in the final report.”
For more on the Chamber’s overall response to the rail review, click here.
The All-Island Rail Review (final full report) has taken account of responses received to a draft report and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) published for public consultation last year. In addition, recommendations for rail in the report have been developed through an evidence-based review taking into account goals such as connectivity, sustainability, and economic feasibility.
At the Marino Point's jetty almost a year ago saw the detained drug-smuggling bulk-carrier MV Matthew berth, following a dramatic intervention by authorities, involving the seizure by the Naval Service, Army Ranger Wing and Air Corps when off the Cork coast. The 50,000-dwt ship had on board a massive record haul of illegal drugs, which led to the bulker being escorted to the centre of Cork Harbour.
The site at Marine Point since its purchase in 2017 is referred to as the Belvelly Port Facility, a private-public partnership with the Port of Cork, but up to 2002 it was the Irish Fertilizer Industries (IFI) plant that closed down that year.
