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Displaying items by tag: St. Petersberg

Cargo volumes through the port of Drogheda have increased by 4% in 2010 compared to 2009 levels, notably due to the importation of agri-products. The rise in traffic figures recorded by the Drogheda Port Company, provides some positive economic news.
On the export front, the Co. Louth port performed well last year, particularly with increased volumes in cement and magnesite, bringing a boost to the local economy. In addition there was an un-expected and unique trade in potatoes, following a severe drought that gripped the Russian Federation.The inaugural shipment of over 2,500 tonnes was loaded on board the M.V. Blankenese in mid-November. The vessel sailed to St. Petersberg where a further three such shipments took place.

In order to facilitate the recovery of the economy, ports with increased capacity will play a vital strategic role in expanding export-driven trade. Plans by the Drogheda Port Company to the development of a proposed new port at Bremore in north Co. Dublin, remain a key objective of the company, with a planning application currently in preparation.

Published in Ports & Shipping
20th November 2010

To Russia with ‘Potatoes’

As a severe drought grips Russia, over 2,500 tonnes of potatoes were loaded on board the mv Blankenese in Drogheda yesterday. The vessel was bound for St. Petersberg and a further three shipments are scheduled in the new export trade, according to the Drogheda Port Company.
In total 10,000 tonnes of potatoes (roosters, kerr pinks and whites) are to be exported to Russia. The new trade has boosted a yield of 30% in prices for Irish farmers and follows a bumper growing season with an oversupply of 50,000 tonnes on an annual domestic consumption of 350,000 tonnes.

Asides the cash crop, Drogheda Port has established shipping trades routes in the carriage of containers units, fertilizers, magnesite, LPG and newsprint. In addition the Co. Louth port operates the country's only weekly service to Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Published in Ports & Shipping

Dun Laoghaire Baths Renovation

Afloat has been reporting on the new plans for the publically owned Dun Laoghaire Baths site located at the back of the East Pier since 2011 when plans for its development first went on display by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. 

Foreshore consent was applied for in 2013.

Last used 30 years ago as the 'Rainbow Rapids' before falling into dereliction – the new site does not include a public pool.

The refurbished Dun Laoghaire Baths include the existing Baths Pavilion for use as artist workspaces, a gallery café and for the provision of public toilet facilities. 

Work finally got underway at Dún Laoghaire on the €9 million redevelopments of the old Dún Laoghaire Baths site in June 2018 under a contract with SIAC-Mantovani.

The works have removed dilapidated structures to the rear of the Pavilion to permit the creation of a new route and landscaping that will connect the walkway at Newtownsmith to both the East Pier and the Peoples Park. 

Original saltwater pools have been filled in and new enhanced facilities for swimming and greater access to the water’s edge by means of a short jetty have also been provided.

The works included the delivery of rock armour to protect the new buildings from storm damage especially during easterly gales. 

It hasn't all been plain sailing during the construction phase with plastic fibres used in construction washing into the sea in November 2018

Work continues on the project in Spring 2020 with the new pier structure clearly visible from the shoreline.

A plinth at the end of the pier will be used to mount a statue of Roger Casement, a former Sandycove resident and Irish nationalist.