#PortofCork2015 - The year 2015 has been significant for the Port of Cork Company in many ways. Trade traffic has been performing well and according to the company, well over €8 million tonnes of cargo moving in and out of the port to date (full year trade figures will be available in early January 2016.)

Earlier in the year, the Port of Cork was granted planning permission for the Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment which was a great achievement for the Port of Cork and particularly the Munster region.

According to Mr Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork Company, securing this future development translates into significant economic benefits for Cork and the Munster region, as well as the national economy.

Following a public tender process in November, advance works on the project are due to begin in January 2016. These advance works are a positive step in terms of the Ringaskiddy port redevelopment and will include site clearance to the proposed container compound area which will serve to prepare the site to ensure the main works are not delayed.

Mr Keating commented on the advance works saying: ‘This is a very positive initial step of the project and will ensure the next step, which is to launch the main works contract in April 2016 will be on track, with a view to contract being awarded in Q3 2016.’

He continued: ‘It is estimated that 849 FTE jobs will be created during the construction of the Ringaskiddy Redevelopment Project which the Port aims to have operating by Q4 2018.’

The Port of Cork cruise business has been a success story from the early 1990’s when the port welcomed 10 cruise ships per year to Cork Harbour compared to over 60 cruise ships now annually. Over 100,000 passengers and crew visit the region on board these luxurious liners and in turn provide a huge boost to the local economy. This year the Port of Cork have invested €1.5 million in upgrading facilities at Cobh Cruise Terminal, Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth, which will enable larger ships to be berthed.

Cork’s cruise business success is down to a number of things, such as year round marketing of the port’s capabilities and what the region has to offer, continued investment by the Port in the cruise area and a dedicated team, eager to increase business and make Cork Ireland’s number one cruise destination.

In 2015 the Port of Cork together with Cunard, marked the 100th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Lusitania. This commemoration, which was attended by the President of Ireland showed Cobh town in all its glory and particularly highlighted Cobh’s maritime history and indeed Cork Harbour’s history

‘Cork Mega Port’, the fly on the wall style documentary series produced by Goldhawk Media gave viewers all over Ireland an opportunity to go inside the day to day workings of the Port of Cork. This hugely successful TV series was a unique opportunity for the Port of Cork and highlighted the many challenges faced by port staff to ensure Cork’s trade is kept moving 24/7 365 days a year.

Summarising 2015 for the Port, Chief Executive Mr Brendan Keating said: ‘Every year we face challenges as a port company, however receiving planning permission for the Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment has given our organisation a renewed confidence in the future of trade for the Cork region. Not only is this a boost for our company but most importantly for our customers, who can now confidently plan for the future, knowing the port will be here to accommodate their needs.’