Dublin Port Company has today reported trade figures for the first half of 2023.

Volumes declined by 3.6% to end June as the war in Ukraine, global inflation and a slower than expected recovery in China from Covid-19 lockdown dampened international and domestic demand, with the Central Statistics Office showing Ireland entering a technical recession in the early part of 2023.

H1 2023 – Key Figures:

• Imports fell by -3.6% to 10.8 million gross tonnes.
• Exports declined by -3.5%, to 7.1 million gross tonnes.

In Detail:

Unitised trade (Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo) in the form of trailers and containers accounted for 81% of all cargo volumes in the first half of the year.

Unitised freight fell by -5.4% year-to-date June Vs prior year, with both modes experiencing reductions of -4.4% and -7.6%, respectively.

Passenger numbers on ferries (such as Stena) increased by 13.6% to 758,454 at Dublin Port

Positive growth indicators were seen in other areas of the port’s business, including: -

Imports of new trade vehicles rose by 40.3% to 67,000 units. This rise is already on the back of strong import figures in 2022 when volumes increased by 8.1% for the full year.

Bulk Liquid imports of petroleum products continue to grow strongly, reaching 2.3 million gross tonnes matching the record levels achieved in the same period last year.

Passenger numbers on ferries increased by 13.6% to 758,454

Dublin Port continued outperforming the all-island market in both Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo in 2022 and Q1 of 2023, with elements of post-Brexit trade returning to Dublin from Northern Ireland ports (source: The Irish Maritime Development Office).

Commenting on the H1 2023 figures, Dublin Port’s Chief Executive, Barry O'Connell, said:

“Lower international and domestic economic activity has seen our volumes slightly down in the first half of 2023. This comes on the back of a very strong first half in 2022 where volumes increased by 10% vs 2021. The second half of 2022 was flat in terms of growth rates, so we are expecting modest positive growth in the second half of 2023 as markets recover.

“A dip is not unusual and reflects the ebb and flow of imports and exports in a more cautious economic environment. In the medium to long term, we still expect to see continued growth in volumes as the economy rebounds and consumer sentiment steadies. As recently as June there was a 1.1% rise in exports, a notable shift from the average monthly decline of -4.4% over the preceding five months. This tallies with market and CSO commentary on Ireland’s exit from a technical recession.

“Overall, Dublin continues to outperform the all-island market in both Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo, underscoring continued demand for the world-class route-to-market offering here.

“With Dublin Port accounting for 80% of Ireland’s containerised trade, 91% of UK trade and 68% of trade with mainland Europe, it remains a critical enabler of Ireland’s economy. Providing capacity for future economic growth is our core imperative and I am pleased to say that the first of three expansion plans have been completed (ABR Project), the second is underway (MP2 Project), and the third and final development plan, the 3FM project, is at an advanced design stage and will be submitted later this year for planning.”

Dublin Port Company trade figures for the first half of 2023

Dublin Port has published SafePort Golden Rules today, a set of 10 rules designed to enable Port Management and the seven Terminal Operators to engage with employees and visitors on Dublin Port sites safely.

The publication follows the introduction of a ‘new Dublin SafePort initiative’ in July 2022 and the introduction of 40km speed limits within the port in October 2022.

Dublin Port is also pleased to announce that An Garda Síochána, the HSE and Customs and Revenue - who all play a pivotal role in Port safety - have also come on board as SafePort partners. The seven founding terminal operators are Dublin Ferryport Terminals, Doyle Shipping Group, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries, Peel Ports Group (MTL), Seatruck Ferries and Stena Line. Together, they account for an estimated 75% of port workers on the estate.

Dublin Port was pleased to host representatives from all the partners in Dublin Port’s SafePort initiative at the announcement of the ‘Ten Golden Rules’ today, Monday, 4th September in Port Centre. Harbourmasters Michael McKenna and Paul Hogan were joined by An Garda Síochána, the HSE, Customs and Revenue and representatives from the seven founding terminal operators, Dublin Ferryport Terminals, Doyle Shipping Group, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries, Peel Ports Group (MTL), Seatruck Ferries and Stena Line

By their very nature, ports present complex challenges and potential hazards. Without strict adherence to rules and safety practices, incidents and accidents can occur, posing risks to workers, visitors and operations. Dublin SafePort has developed a comprehensive set of 10 safety rules that address critical areas of concern and promote a culture of safety-first behaviour.

The SafePort 10 Golden Rules have been crafted by the Dublin SafePort working group, consisting of representatives from various segments of the port community. Their expertise, collaboration and a sharing of lessons learnt has shaped a set of rules that cover both high-level safety principles and behaviours that, if left unchecked, can lead to serious incidents. These rules encompass a wide spectrum of port activities, ensuring that every facet of the port ecosystem is safeguarded.

The 10 Golden Rules are as follows:

• Turn up fit for work and unimpaired by drugs and alcohol.
• Always use designated walkways provided.
• Be aware of lifting operations and moving machinery. Keep a safe distance.
• Follow traffic management guidelines, observe speed limits, and wear seatbelts.
• Prioritise water safety – wear a personal flotation device within 1.5m of the quay wall.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the task.
• Limit smoking to designated areas and avoid littering.
• Use mobile devices only as approved and avoid distractions.
• Report incidents promptly to prevent accidents.
• Familiarise yourself with the specific rules within terminals.

Dublin Port's SafePort Golden Rules

Download the Dublin Port Safeport golden rules as a high res pdf below

Implementation of the SafePort 10 Golden Rules will be a joint effort by Port Management, the seven Terminal Operators and all port users. The initiative will be rolled out in two key areas: public roads and spaces within the port estate, and terminal and common user areas. Signage, social media campaigns, and educational materials will ensure the rules are accessible and understood by all.

The SafePort 10 Golden Rules initiative is part of a broader commitment by Dublin Port to prioritise safety, stemming from the Dublin SafePort working group's insights and global best practices. Dublin Port aims to create a safer and more secure environment for all stakeholders by growing a culture of safety consciousness and adherence.

Pictured are Garda Vincent Carroll (Dublin Port Immigration), Donna McGuirk (Revenue and Customs) and Garda Dermot Moran (Dublin Port Immigration) at the launch of ‘Dublin SafePort Ten Golden Rules’

Michael McKenna, Dublin Port Harbourmaster, said: “What we are trying to achieve with the launch of the Golden Rules is to keep reinforcing the SafePort message, ensure that people are aware of its relevance around the Port Estate in day-to-day operations, SafePort does not belong in a meeting room on PowerPoint presentations it must be in operation across the Port Estate and be in people’s minds as they go about their business.”

Superintendent Jarlath Lennon, Store St Garda Station, said, “As a key stakeholder in Dublin Port, An Garda Síochána will take an active role in implementing Dublin Port’s 10 SafePort Golden Rules to make Dublin Port a safer place for all port workers and visitors. An Garda Síochána’s promotion of the Golden Rules on a daily basis and close working relationship with all of our partner organisations in Dublin Port is an important aspect of our Mission Statement of Keeping People Safe.”

Dublin Port Dublin Port announced today (28 August) that work has commenced on the Tolka-Estuary Greenway, a dedicated 3.2km cycle and pedestrian route along the Northern perimeter of the Port overlooking the Tolka Estuary. The Tolka-Estuary Greenway is a celebration of an area of the Port that has never been accessed by the public before, and it is a key element of Dublin Port’s ambitious Tolka-Estuary Project first announced in November 2020.

The Tolka-Estuary project also includes the development of a 6.3km distributed museum within the Port, and the Liffey Tolka Greenway, a proposed additional tree-lined pedestrian and cycle route between the Liffey and the Tolka Estuary along the East Wall Road.

"The Tolka-Estuary Greenway is a celebration of an area of the Port that has never been accessed by the public before"

Lar Joye, Port Heritage Director, Dublin Port, said, “We are very excited seeing construction of this element of the Tolka-Estuary Project commence. By next summer Dubliners will be able to safely enjoy the River Liffey and Tolka Estuary on foot or by bike through the Port. The Tolka-Estuary Greenway will allow Dubliners enjoy novel perspectives of the city, the Estuary, its flora and fauna, the Port and eventually the Distributed Museum we are creating here, which includes the Pumphouse and the Flour Mill. We have always said that our ambition is to open up the Port as an amenity for the city and the Greenway will be transformative in this regard.”

The first section of the Tolka-Estuary Greenway stretches 1.9km from the Port’s boundary with Eastpoint Business Park to the Irish Ferries and Stena Line check-in booths on Terminal Road. The route required extensive coastal protection and heavy civil engineering works prior to construction but is now expected to open to the public by summer 2024. The second 1.3km section of the Greenway will bring the Greenway route to the most Eastern point of Dublin Port overlooking Dublin Bay and a brand new 800-metre linear park.

On completion Dublin Port’s Greenway will link Dublin with the proposed National Galway to Dublin Cycleway, a 270km dedicated traffic-free cycling route which follows the Royal Canal Greenway and the Old Rail Trail Greenway from Dublin via Maynooth and Athlone to Galway City. It will also link Ireland with EuroVelo 2, The Capitals Route, a 5,500km (3,400 mi) long cycling east-west European route which passes through Ireland, The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, German, Poland and Belarus. Tourists arriving in Ireland with their bikes from Holyhead in Wales and Cherbourg in France will now be able to leave the Dublin Port on this purpose-built greenway.

Dr. Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said, “As National EuroVelo Coordinator, Sport Ireland also welcomes this proposed new infrastructure which will facilitate cyclists travelling the section of the EuroVelo 2 cycle route in Ireland, also known as the Galway – Dublin Cycleway. The proposed new greenways will bring cyclists arriving at the port on a route that will ultimately connect the port to the Royal Canal Greenway and onwards to the west of Ireland. Cycling is a fantastic way to stay active and improve overall fitness, and I am delighted to see work progressing on the development of dedicated cycling infrastructure in the Dublin Port area. As well as providing an opportunity for people who work in the port to cycle more safely to work, this infrastructure will provide traffic-free recreational cycling opportunities for the local community.”

The Distributed Museum within the Port includes The Pumphouse, which formerly housed the steam engine that powered the gates of Graving Docks 1 & 2 but has been repurposed by Dublin Port into an artistic and cultural venue and The Flour Mill, the former Odlums Flour Mill on Alexandra Road which will be transformed into a National Maritime Archive, two 300-seat performance venues, as well as studio and exhibition spaces for artists. The Flour Mill will be developed in stages as part of Masterplan 2040 alongside major port infrastructure projects.

Barry O’Connell, CEO, Dublin Port Company, said, “The Tolka-Estuary Greenway is another important milestone in delivering on our Port-City commitments as part of Masterplan 2040. The new cycling and pedestrian route linking the River Liffey with the Tolka-Estuary will no doubt prove to be an incredibly popular amenity and provide people with novel access to the Port and the opportunity to see the maritime and industrial landmarks along the route.”

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).