A new coastal rowing boat named after St Laurence was blessed in Ringsend, Dublin, today for the Stella Maris Rowing Club.

The St Laurence II has been sponsored by Dublin Port Company, and is named after the original St Laurence, which was built, owned and competed in by Dublin Port workers in the 1950s.

Dublin Port Company says it represents yet another investment by it in promoting the sport of rowing in Dublin.

Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell alongside Alicia Weafer, Trudi Pepper, Emma Gannon and Niamh Kane of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team, who take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II, sponsored by Dublin Port Company

Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell alongside Alicia Weafer, Trudi Pepper, Emma Gannon and Niamh Kane of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team, who take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II, sponsored by Dublin Port Company.

It will also provide Stella Maris Rowing Club's dedicated members – ranging from aged ten onwards - with state-of-the-art equipment that will enhance their training and capabilities, the port company says.

(Left to Right) Coach Louise Kane with Niamh Kane, Emma Gannon, Trudi Pepper and Alicia Weafer of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II Photo Tommy Dickson

“This continued and long-standing partnership comes as part of Dublin Port Company’s wider plans for a new maritime village,”it says

The village is part of its 3FM development project, and will involve a “modern sailing and rowing campus” for sailing and rowing clubs, sea scouts, the Nautical Trust and local boat owners.

The 3FM project is the port’s masterplan for 2040, and is focused on port lands on the Poolbeg peninsula, on the south side of the bay.

Dublin Port Company continues its support of Stella Maris Rowing Club with the sponsorship of the new skiff (above and below Photos: Tommy Dickson

The port says the village “has been developed in consultation with local groups and will replace the current much smaller facilities as well as improving opportunities to view port activities from the new waterside public plaza area”.

The new boat was blessed today by Father Ivan Tonge during a ceremony held at the Ringsend Club’s home on the Pigeon House Road in Dublin.

Founded in 1937, Stella Maris is one of Dublin's oldest and most respected rowing clubs, with levels from junior right up to senior.

The club recently won a Dublin South Central Garda Youth Award, which is awarded to young people who have contributed positively to their communities.

Barry O’Connell, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said: “We are honoured to offer our continued support to Stella Maris Rowing Club. The values Stella embodies, such as teamwork, dedication and perseverance, align perfectly with our own ethos at Dublin Port Company."

(Left to Right) Coach Louise Kane with Niamh Kane, Emma Gannon, Trudi Pepper and Alicia Weafer of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II Photo: Tommy Dickson

"This commitment ties in with our wider community initiatives to come under the 3FM Project, which will see a new maritime village providing enhanced facilities for a range of users, including sailing and rowing clubs.”

Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell (far right) with members of Stella Maris Rowing Club at the blessing of their new coastal rowing boat Photo: Tommy Dickson

Pat Kane, Chairman, Stella Maris Rowing Club, said: “Dublin Port has long been a friend to Stella Maris, and we would like to thank them for their continued support. The original St Laurence served the club well for over 30 years and, thanks to Dublin Port, the St Laurence II will inspire and enable the next generation of rowers.”

With Heritage Week upon us, the well-archived history of Dublin Port places the opening of its new Heritage Centre on Alexandra Road at the forefront of events, and with Cormac Lowth, they have the ideal maritime history enthusiast to put it all in context.

In fact, Cormac is a One Man Heritage Centre in himself, so the combination of his wide-ranging knowledge and perspective with the resources of Dublin Port provides a formidable partnership, and there'll be much of interest in the featured fully-illustrated lecture he'll be giving at the Centre next Saturday, August 19th, at 3.0pm.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste performed the ‘Casting of the Spear’ into Dublin Bay, upholding a 535-year tradition. The Casting marks the launch of the 36th South Docks Festival, which runs this week for a full five days for the first time since 2019.

Hosted by Dublin Port Company and the staff and volunteers of St. Andrew’s Resource Centre, the South Docks Festival offers the communities of the Docklands a chance to celebrate their heritage. One particular aspect of this heritage, the ‘Casting of the Spear’, today saw Dublin Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste imbued with the title of Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port.

The tradition dates back to 1488, when then Lord Mayor of Dublin Thomas Mayler braced the elements to mark the boundaries of Dublin to the East by vaulting a spear into the sea. As each successive Lord Mayor casts a spear of their own, the tradition reinforces the idea that the city and the Port are at once constantly evolving and inextricably tied to a rich heritage to which all members of Dublin’s diverse community can lay claim. The South Docks Festival aims to highlight this shared heritage, with the theme of this year’s festival being ‘Friendship and Inclusion’.

Over the five days, the public can engage in activities for all ages, from TikTok workshops, tours of the Docklands and Dublin Port, and a short film exhibition exploring life in the Docklands through the pandemic. The festival will close on Friday with a parade leaving St. Andrew’s at 12:30 pm and proceeding through the Docklands, after which Pearse Square will be transformed into a fairground with picnic areas, an inflatable slide and obstacle course and live performances from DJs and children’s entertainers.

Dublin Port CEO Barry O’Connell commented: “I want to thank Lord Mayor de Róiste for helping to continue this great tradition and for his support of Dublin Port. I am happy to bring this ceremony back to the South Docks Festival, which allows the communities of the Docklands to come together and celebrate a distinct cultural heritage. Our mission at Dublin Port over the coming years is to strengthen ties between the Port and the city, by allowing the public access through a range of pedestrian pathways, cycle routes and arts spaces. We hope to bring communities together, in keeping with the tradition of this great festival.”

The Lord Mayor of Dublin and Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port, Cllr. Daithí de Róiste pictured performing the ‘Casting of the Spear’ in Dublin Bay with Dublin Port CEO Barry O’Connell. The tradition dates back to 1488 when the city’s boundaries were marked eastwards. Photo: Robbie Reynolds

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste said: "As Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port, I offer my thanks to Dublin Port Company for the lovely ceremony and for their support of the South Docks Festival, which remains a special highlight of the summer calendar. Such an inclusive and welcoming festival is of great benefit to the public.”

Dermot McCarthy, Chair of the St. Andrew’s Resource Centre, said: “Our staff and volunteers greatly appreciate the contribution of Dublin Port Company to this year’s festival, which makes its full return following disruptions from the pandemic. We hope the community take the chance to see everything on the week’s schedule, which offers something for everyone.”

Dublin Port Company has issued noticed to mariners of navigational changes for the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta which begins on Thursday (6 July).

To ensure the safety of all concerned and to facilitate the management of such a large sailing event, the South Burford Traffic Separation Scheme will be closed to all commercial traffic on Thursday 6 July between noon and 6.30pm, and Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July between 10am and 6.30pm.

Vessels arriving or departing Dublin Bay, including to/from the anchorage, during these times must use the North Burford Traffic Separation Scheme.

In addition, the port company has also issued a notice regarding the five temporary yacht markings that will be deployed in Dublin Bay for the duration of the regatta.

Dublin Port Company is recruiting for the role of energy and decarbonisation lead.

The State-owned commercial port says it “aims to play a strong role in achieving its own energy and decarbonisation goals, as well as supporting and influencing wider Dublin Port stakeholders in meeting their own energy reduction and decarbonisation ambitions”.

Dublin Port has 15,000 annual vessel movements, handles almost half of the Republic of Ireland’s trade, is the largest freight and passenger port in Ireland and is one of five major ports classified as Tier 1/Tier 2 ports in the National Ports Policy.

The energy and decarbonisation lead will head the development, implementation and delivery of plans to ensure that Dublin Port Company meets its energy and decarbonisation goals and commitments.

As the company provides critical national port infrastructure, the role will require a close working relationship with its stakeholders to ensure it understands their decarbonisation needs, in order to best support them in meeting their energy and decarbonisation goals.

The role will require leading the energy and decarbonisation team, especially working closely with the port’s technical manager, property and facilities manager and assistant harbour master, who are all key members of that team.

Key responsibilities also include work within energy and decarbonisation management, the NewERA Climate Action Framework for the Commercial Semi-State Sector, Dublin Port Energy & Decarbonisation Community, infrastructure and more.

Must-have requirements include a FETAC Level 8 undergraduate degree qualification in energy, environment, sustainability or an engineering discipline; a minimum of five years’ industry experience and ability to demonstrate competent knowledge in the fields of energy or sustainability; and management system experience (eg ISO 9001/14001/50001).

Those interested can find further information and apply for the position via LinkedIn HERE.

Engineers, historians, retired dockers and port workers gathered at Dublin Port for the launch of a new book last evening called “Dublin Port Chief Engineers”, published by Dublin Port Company and written by Dr Ronald Cox, Engineering Historian and Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering at Trinity College Dublin.

“Dublin Port Engineers” navigates the story of two of Dublin Port’s most pioneering port engineers in recent decades, Bindon Blood Stoney (1828-1909) and John Purser Griffith (1848-1938). This beautifully presented publication is the culmination of detailed research undertaken by Dr Cox over many years into the lives and illustrious work of both engineers and draws on a trove of maps, images, and information held in Dublin Port’s 300-year-old archive to tell their story.

Dublin Port Chairman Jerry Grant speaks at the launch of “Dublin Port Chief Engineers” at Dublin Port Centre

Bindon Blood Stoney was Dublin Port Engineer from 1862 to 1899, and the modern city of Dublin along the River Liffey reflects his engineering prowess in the bridges and quay walls he built using his wonderful Diving Bell, better known today as Dublin’s smallest museum on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.

Dr Ronald Cox speaking at the launch of his book “Dublin Port Chief Engineers” at Dublin Port Centre

When John Purser Griffith, who served as Bindon Blood Stoney’s assistant for 27 years before becoming his successor as Chief Port Engineer, took over he would go on to champion the city and the port, still a key strategic objective of the modern Dublin Port Company today.

From 1899 to 1909, John Purser Griffith helped to modernise Dublin Port, reconstructing the North and South quays, electrifying the cranes with the port’s own power station and reorganising dredging operations with a new modern suction dredger, The Sandpiper.

Dublin Port Heritage Director Lar Joye (left), Dr Ronald Cox (centre) and Dublin Port Chairman Jerry Grant (right) at the launch of “Dublin Port Chief Engineers” at Dublin Port Centre on Monday, June 26, 2023. “Dublin Port Engineers” navigates the story of two of Dublin Port’s most pioneering port engineers in recent decades, Bindon Blood Stoney (1828-1909) and John Purser Griffith (1848-1938)

Lar Joye, Port Heritage Director, Dublin Port Company, said:  “Our thanks and credit to Dr Ronald Cox whose meticulous research has resulted in such a wonderful addition to public understanding of Dublin Port and the City of Dublin. It’s amazing to think that in 1990, Dr Cox was commissioned by the then Dublin Port & Docks Board to compile a biographical sketch of Bindon Blood Stoney as one of the most illustrious engineers ever associated with Dublin Port’s history. Today, some 30 years later, we are continuing to learn about their transformative work, and we are privileged to have helped bring Dr Cox’s work to life with the addition of previously unseen photographs from the Dublin Port Archive. That in itself feels like history in the making.

The book “Dublin Port Chief Engineers” was launched at Dublin Port Centre

“I wish to pay tribute to the late Gerald Daly (1928-1998), then Honorary Archivist to the Dublin Port & Docks Board. At that time, access to the letters and other archival material in the Board’s possession was undoubtedly made all the easier due to Gerry’s tireless efforts to secure such information, and I think it’s fair to say that no query went unanswered for long.
“I also want to mention the late Niall Dardis. When Gerry was retiring, he couldn’t think of anyone better suited to the stewardship of the Dublin Port archive than Niall, who was a former draughtsman before retiring in 1992. When Gerry approached Niall, he couldn’t say no and took on the role of Honorary Archivist with great enthusiasm and skill.”

Dr Ronald Cox (centre) with his wife Rosaleen and family Lisa and Jana at the launch of “Dublin Port Chief Engineers” at Dublin Port Centre 

Dr Cox is a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers of Ireland, a Fellow of the Irish Academy of Engineering, and a Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Recent books include Ireland’s Bridges (2003), Engineering Ireland (2006), Ireland’s Civil Engineering Heritage (2013), Called to Serve (2013) and Called to Serve Two (2019).

“Dublin Port Chief Engineers” is available to purchase from Wordwell Books here.

Dublin Port Company, today, 3rd May 2023, announced details of its Art and Engagement programme 22/23 at the Pumphouse, Alexandra Road.

The Pumphouse formerly housed the steam engine which powered the gates of Graving Dock 1 but has been repurposed by Dublin Port into an artistic and cultural venue and is a key part of the Heritage Zone at Dublin Port.

The theme for this year’s Dublin Port Art and Engagement programme is ‘Connections: The Port, the City, Arts and Education’. Dublin Port’s plans for the Heritage Zone at the Pumphouse include expanding its use for public exhibitions, events and performances creating a distinct and unique destination in the heart of the working port as part of port-city integration plans up to 2040.

Pictured is a short piece from “Back home to a wonderful time” by ANU productions at The Pumphouse located on Alexandra Rd, Dublin Port as part of Dublin Port Art and Engagement programme 2023 announcement. The theme for this year’s Dublin Port Art and Engagement programme is ‘Connections: The Port, the City, Arts and Education’ Photo: Conor McCabe

The Art and Engagement programme has been underway since mid-2022. It includes completed art and design outputs, such as large-scale projections incorporating live and still imagery as well as workshops led by experienced artists with pupils from St. Laurence O’Toole Primary School and second-level art students from Ringsend College.

Under a comprehensive programme of future work established artists and students, will participate in short residencies, and performances, including theatre and music - designed and customised for the Pumphouse context. These have been developed in partnership with theatre companies, ANU and Fishamble, as well as with Students from the National College of Art & Design (NCAD), UCD’s School of Architecture, the Design and Material Culture Course at NCAD as well the Sean O’Casey Community Centre’s Art Group and teenage members of the East Wall Youth Centre.

Julie Crowe and Matthew Williamson performing a short piece from “Back home to a wonderful time” by ANU productions at The Pumphouse located on Alexandra Rd, Dublin Port

Highlights of the current programme include:

Artworks by Transition Students from Ringsend College and ‘Works in Progress’ Prints and Photographs by 5th Year Students (April 2023). A study group of Transition Year students from Ringsend College are engaged in a new round of workshops with artist Janine Davidson using a range of art media to explore Port - City themes.

‘Mappings of East Wall’, by the Sean O’Casey Community Centre Art Group and artist, Silvia Leoffler (May 2023). These small scale and intimate mappings by members of the Sean O’Casey Centre’s mature art group amount to a creative portrait of the streets, homes and people who constitute the local neighbourhood of East Wall.

NCAD STUDIO+ Programme (May 2023). The Pumphouse is being regularly used as a situated studio space as part of the National College of Art & Design’s STUDIO + programme during which a series of micro-residencies for specific student groups take place.

Temporary Pleasure (Summer 2023) a large-scale architectural installation and event space in the Pumphouse Plaza, to offer new perspectives and appreciations of the work and life of Dublin Port.

States of Independence’ by Smashing Times, International Centre for Arts and Equality (October 2023). Celebrating the stories of ten changemakers from the Decade of Centenaries, and stories of ten changemakers today, told through performances, visual arts, creative billboards and online exhibitions.

The Pumphouse has been developing dynamic theatre and music projects for several years. Previous works at The Pumphouse included ‘Hidden Pianos’ (2018) developed by Artistic Director Máire Carroll with the aim of sharing classical and contemporary music in site-specific locations, ‘The Pumphouse Presents’ (2020), a Winter Festival of Plays commissioned by Dublin Port Company featuring work from Axis Ballymun, ANU productions and Fishamble: The New Play Company, and ‘The Book of Names’ (2021), a hugely ambitious co-production by ANU Productions and Landmark, that plots a singular path through one of the most secretive, contentious, and turbulent times in Irish history.

Barry O’Connell, CEO Dublin Port said, “The use of the Pumphouse is part of Dublin Port’s long-term strategy of connecting Port and City. The ‘Connections’ event reflects the ongoing Port/City Integration process and will see other large-scale heritage and arts projects being developed as areas of the Port are opened for public use. We are excited about this development in the overall context of port development and are committed to ensuring that the Port develops as a thriving community resource.”

Edel Currie, Community Engagement Manager for Dublin Port added, “It has been very positive, over the last few years, to see the theatre and music events, creative residencies and learning workshops develop at the Pumphouse. The engagement with the local schools and Colleges on these artistic works has been enormously positive. The wider appeal of these projects demonstrates the potential for the Pumphouse as a heritage zone in the city Centre. We look forward to the visual arts and performing arts events scheduled over the summer months and into the Autumn of 2023.”

Declan McGonagle, curator of the Pumphouse programme, said, “The Pumphouse is a distinct and unique setting where creative practice meets public experience in the context of a working Port and communities of place interact with communities of interest from further afield. The visualisations and signage tell the story of the Pumphouse its transformation and contempoary use. These visualisations of past and present activities are presented within the Pumphouse, using large scale, immersive projected imagery, a large scale white screen projection and monitors, along with photo-enlarged panels of workshops, participants and artworks. The works have been produced by different participating groups and include interviews with relevant Port staff, artists and academia, workshop members and past Port workers.”

At the Pumphouse Plaza, ANU productions will perform a short piece from “Back home to a wonderful time” on about the last troop ship leaving Berth 18 in December of 1922 starring Julie Crowe (The Stewart Of Christendom, The Gate, 2022), Peter Rothweil (Staging the Treaty, ANU Productions, 2022) and Matthew Williamson (The Book of Names, ANU and Landmark Productions, 2021).

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy, today performed the annual ‘Casting of the Spear’ into Dublin Bay, one the most important symbolic occasions on the Dublin Port calendar. In the process, she confirmed her title as Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port, upholding the memory of a 535-year-old tale.

In 1488, Lord Mayor of Dublin Thomas Mayler rode on horseback out to the city’s boundaries, facing bitter rain and fierce winds. Braving these elements, Lord Mayor Mayler brandished a spear, which he vaulted out into the sea as he went. Each casting of his spear marked a point on Dublin’s eastward boundary, the distance of which into the Irish Sea was determined by the Lord Mayor’s aim and strength.

More than half a millennium later, the face of Dublin Port has changed considerably. Today, it carries nearly two-thirds of all port traffic on the island of Ireland. Beneath all this activity lie the marks of Thomas Mayler cast out when Ireland’s trading relationship with the rest of the world was still in relative infancy.

To commemorate this event, Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy cast a spear of her own into Dublin Bay, her first official act as Honorary Admiral of the Port. Modern times have seen successive Lord Mayors take to the water at Dublin Port to earn their honorary title, which they retain for their period in office.

“It is my great pleasure to be confirmed as Honorary Admiral of the Port of Dublin,” Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said, “This ritual has fascinated me for several years. A connection to these colourful aspects of our past remains of great cultural value to all Dubliners. Dublin Port remains ever more vital to our commercial and cultural life in the city and beyond, and I wish it every success in its Masterplan projects over the coming years.”

Dublin Port CEO Barry O’Connell commented at the ceremony: “I would like to thank Lord Mayor Conroy for her participation in this ceremony and for her continued support of Dublin Port. This is a tradition I’m very proud to continue, one which emphasises the strong links between port and city and the importance of history and culture to our local community. It’s astounding to think, with all our advancements in engineering today, that the original boundary of the city was set by one person casting a spear into the sea. We’re currently in the process of developing a range of paths for cyclists and pedestrians running 5.5km across the Poolbeg Peninsula and 16km across the north side of the Liffey. These should allow Dubliners to look out over the full scope of this boundary set by a previous Lord Mayor over 500 years ago.”

Dublin Port Company (DPC) has announced that P&O Ferries and Seatruck will move locations within Dublin Port from January 23rd 2023.

The move will see P&O Ferries relocate from existing Terminal 3 (East Wall Road) to Terminal 5 (T5), at the eastern end of the port, replacing Seatruck. Seatruck will relocate its operations from Terminal 5 to a new Terminal 4 (T4), at the western end of the port. The new T4 will be accessed via a new check-in facility on Tolka Quay Road.

This change sees the former Terminal 3 entrance along East Wall Road (opposite the 3Arena) close to HGVs from January 23rd. All HGV traffic for Seatruck (T4) will access the port via Promenade Road, then onto T4 via Tolka Quay Road, and cross over the new Alexandra Road Bridge (the Red Bridge).

All traffic to P&O Ferries (T5) will enter the port via Promenade Road and travel east on New Promenade Road before turning right on to Terminal Road and then left on Alexandra Road Extension. P&O Car Ferry traffic will access T5 via Terminal Road South. 

P&O Ferries is moving to Terminal 5

To help all port users with the changeover, temporary digital signage will be in place along key routes within the port estate to direct drivers. The team from DPC will also be on the ground to assist drivers over the coming weeks.

The relocation of P&O Ferries and Seatruck facilitates ongoing development works associated with the Alexander Basin Redevelopment (ABR) Project, and the commencement of works on the MP2 Project; two major strategic infrastructure development projects consented and underway to increase port capacity as planned in DPC Masterplan 2040.

Seatruck is moving to Terminal 4

DPC acknowledges the ongoing support of both P&O Ferries and Seatruck in preparation for the move on January 23rd and is committed to working with both terminal operators to ensure a smooth transition for their customers and all port users.

P&O Ferries and Seatruck will be advising customers of their final sailing times from their original locations, and the first sailing times from their new locations in due course.

Port users can continue to keep up to date on all road and traffic developments at Dublin Port via Twitter. This includes recent changes to the speed limits throughout the north port estate road network which limit speeds to 40Km/h in the port estate and 20Km/h within the terminals as part of Dublin SafePort.

Dublin Port Company (DPC) is celebrating 21 years of its Scholarship Programme. In this anniversary year, 24 new recipients from the port’s local communities have been awarded scholarships for 2022.

The Dublin Port Scholarship Programme is the longest-running education bursary of its kind in the city’s Docklands area. It was set up by Dublin Port Company (DPC) in 2001 to contribute to the community by providing financial support for people to fulfil their potential through education.

Since 2001, the programme has awarded more than €1.2 million to applicants living in the port area, enabling them to progress to third-level education.

With 24 new bursaries granted for 2022, Dublin Port Company has now awarded scholarships to more than 1,250 local recipients, including school leavers and mature learners.

Dublin Port Scholarship 21st Anniversary - Sibheal Toner, Former Scholarship Recipient, Mary Lou McDonald, TD, Ben Greene, Scholarship Recipient. Photo: Shane O'Neill

Recipients who might not otherwise have pursued higher education owing to financial difficulty in undertaking further study have since gone on to complete a range of third level courses, including Business Studies, Law, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Chemistry, Architecture, Music, and Sociology. Many of the scholars have completed their studies at leading Irish universities, including Trinity College, UCD and DCU, as well as at colleges in England and Wales.

Applicants to the Scholarship Programme are assessed by an independent panel based on several criteria, including candidates’ motivation and commitment, and not solely on academic achievement.

Milestone Celebration

The 21st anniversary was recognised at an event held in The Pumphouse in Dublin Port last evening. The occasion brought together scholarship recipients and alumni, and was attended by local community leaders, school and third-level representatives, as well as those working in youth outreach.

The occasion also marked the first time for a community event to be held at The Pumphouse. The Pumphouse heritage area in Dublin Port represents a continuation of Dublin Port Company’s Masterplan commitment to integrate with the city and the community, providing new civic amenities and space for a range of arts, cultural and educational programmes to be announced in the year ahead.

Michael Sheary, Acting Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said:

“Dublin Port’s Scholarship Programme has made a lasting and positive contribution to the port’s communities over the past 21 years. By giving people the added encouragement and means to reach their potential through education, each scholarship has not only opened up access to further study, but also the opportunities in life that follow. This is therefore not just a milestone year, but a celebration of the community that has made the Scholarship Programme such an enduring success. I am confident that this year’s recipients will flourish in their chosen paths in the years ahead.”

Cecile Ndeley, Scholarship Recipient, and Edel Currie, Community Engagement Manager, Dublin Port. Photo: Shane O'Neill

Edel Currie, Community Engagement Manager, Dublin Port Company, said:

“We have seen first-hand how the Scholarship Programme has opened both doors and minds to educational opportunities that might otherwise have remained shut. It’s hugely rewarding when we learn of the success stories that stem from this small, but important springboard that started with a decision by Dublin Port Company to give back to the community 21 years ago. Today, it is the individual scholarship recipients who give back to their community. By bringing home their experiences and success, they are inspiring a new generation to realise their ambition through further learning.”

DPC’s Longstanding Support for Education in the Community

At the event, attendees also learned more about Dublin Port Company’s longstanding support for education and lifelong learning in the port community ‘from cradle to grave’. This includes the Early Learning Initiative for pre-school children from the inner city at the National College of Ireland, educational materials and tech supports for local primary schools, an art engagement programme for secondary students at Ringsend College, homework club and grinds for English, Irish and Maths in East Wall, Drawing Clubs for both senior citizens and school-going children in Ringsend and East Wall, and a Maritime Skills Training Course and Construction and Retrofitting Skills Training course for people from the port, including the long-term unemployed.