Displaying items by tag: People’s Park Haulbowline

19th July 2021

From Slagheap to People’s Park: Taoiseach Opens New Cork Harbour Recreational Area After €25m Works

A former Cork Harbour slagheap turned park has been officially opened by the Taoiseach, as The Irish Times reports.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was joined by local TD and Defence Minister Simon Coveney among others on Saturday (17 July) at the ribbon-cutting for what’s been named the People’s Park Haulbowline.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the park — on the site of the former Irish Steel slag heap at the east tip of Haulbowline island — includes 4km of harbour-side walkways, a 1km jogging circuit and numerous seating areas.

It has also been extensively landscaped with wildflower areas and more than 200 trees, rich with biodiversity and wildlife.

And its official opening marks the culmination of a multi-year, €25m remediation project that the Taoiseach says should stand as a model for the rest of the country.

“This is great day not for Corkonians but also for the people of Ireland,” he said. “It’s a national people’s park but it also reflects the genuine transformation that we can bring about at various sites.”

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.

Bob Bateman's People's Park & Haulbowline Photo Gallery

Published in Cork Harbour

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About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.