#diasporamuseum – The governement has altered course on plans for a national emigrant museum because it fears a backlash from rejected bidders ahead of the general election, according to a report into today's Sunday Business Post newspaper.

Inspite of a drawing up a plan to draw 300,000 visitors annually to a new national facility  the government is now aiming at smaller regional museums instead.

Dun Laoghaire and Cork harbour were among sites considered in the plan. Both ports had advanced amibitious plans for a national diaspora project. 

The Port of Cork's Company's Custom House and Bonded Warehouse buildings located along the city's central quays, were to be converted into a major €15m museum that will tell the story of Ireland's emigration.

In Dun Laoghaire on Dublin bay, port chief executive Gerry Dunne made the case for a diapora centre in the South Dublin port town at a gathering in the House of Lords in London in January 2013. The museum, to be located on the town's Carlisle Pier, forms a major part of the harbour's regeneration plan. 

#portofcork – Total traffic through the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port Company in 2014 reached a total of 10.1 million tonnes. Following the transfer of Bantry Bay Harbour to the Port of Cork Company in January 2014, both Ports performed well in the circumstances with some sectors performing strongly while others experienced a decline due to a favourable harvest for Irish farmers in the summer and autumn of 2014 when compared to 2013.

Container volumes through both Tivoli and Ringaskiddy Container Terminals in the Port of Cork showed an exceptional growth of 13% compared to 2013 figures with over 190,000 TUEU's handled. This is very encouraging and the Port is confident that this level of growth can be maintained through 2015 and beyond with expectations that we will be at record numbers of container import and export

Despite the excellent performance in the container business, overall traffic in both Ports experienced a drop of 4% in trade on 2013. This was primarily due to unseasonably fine weather in 2014 which saw a reduction of 22% in both animal feed and cereal imports and generally challenging market conditions which affected overall traffic. An improvement in financial performance is expected in 2015 over the same period.

Oil traffic through Whitegate Oil Refinery, currently owned and operated by Phillips 66 continues to have a significant impact on the overall traffic through the Port of Cork. Oil traffic through the Port of Cork in 2014 experienced a marginal 1.5% decrease on 2013 primarily due to the maintenance shut-down in the Whitegate refinery which affected refining six weeks in July and August of 2014. Traffic from the Bantry Bay Oil Storage Terminal also currently operated by Phillips 66 which accounts for 100% of the commercial traffic through Bantry Bay Port, saw an 11% decrease in oil traffic in 2014.

Speaking about the end of year trade traffic results, Chairman John Mullins said: "We are very encouraged by the significantly increased container volumes in 2014 and I am confident that we can sustain this growth in 2015 while continuing to seek other opportunities for increasing trade through the port. Consumer confidence is on the rise and we expect that this in turn will bring a surge in consumer goods imported during 2015. Our move to Ringaskiddy is vitally important to meet expected growth."

He continued "The decrease in traffic volumes during 2014 is primarily due to a reduction in imports of animal feeds, cereals, salt and coal combined with a lack of oil exploration activity compared to 2013."

The Port of Cork cruise business continues to grow year on year and 2014 was no exception. 53 cruise liners called to Cork in 2014, reflecting the global shift towards new 'mega ships' which can carry in excess of 4,000 passengers. These 53 liners in 2014 brought over 119,000 passengers and crew to the region. These transit visitors are a welcome economic stimulus for Cork, bringing a much needed boost to the local economy for eight months of the year. Work has commenced on upgrading the facilities at Cobh Cruise Terminal which will enable 'Quantum Class' vessels, which are largest liners currently operating in Europe today, to be berthed there and the Port of Cork continues to work closely with cruise lines to increase calls to both Port of Cork and Bantry Bay.

Brittany Ferries had another positive year with their seasonal service from Cork to Roscoff carrying almost 79,000 passengers in 2014. This figure is on a par with 2013 and it is hoped that 2015 will be another busy year for Brittany Ferries when sailings resume in March.

The Port of Cork continues to await a decision on a planning application which was lodged in May 2014 with An Bord Pleanála for new and improved port infrastructure in Ringaskiddy. As a Tier 1 port of national significance, it is vital that this much needed infrastructure can go ahead allowing the Port of Cork to provide facilities which will address the current operating constraints in the City Quays, Tivoli and Ringaskiddy and bring a much needed stimulus to the local economy.

The Port of Cork is committed to seeking out new business opportunities for the Port and in particular, the agri-food business will be a key sector which the Port of Cork is keen to develop.

Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork says: "The Agri sector presents huge opportunities for the port's exports, with the lifting of the Common Agriculture Policy production limits this year and a projected national dairy output growth of 50% largely concentrated in Muster and South Leinster."

The Port of Cork Schools Initiative is now in its tenth year and aims to educate 5th class primary school children about the rich history associated with Cork Harbour and to highlight the importance of having a local port to facilitate the connectivity to world markets. The initiative also gives children a better understanding of where cargo comes from and how Ireland, as an island depends on Ports for trading. This year's theme (2015) 'RMS Lusitania – Commemorating 100 Years in 2015' focuses on the sinking of the Lusitania which is an important event in the history of Cork Harbour. All participating 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative will be treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour, compliments of the Port of Cork.

The Port of Cork's recreational strategy continues to expand with the aim of improving the marine leisure facilities around Cork Harbour.

#Ringaskiddy - Port of Cork Company plans for a €100m Ringaskiddy redevelopment of its cargo-handling facilities have been hit with a further delay, writes the Irish Examiner.

An Bord Pleanála has written to the company instructing it to submit a revised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and screening assessments which will have to be put in place before it can consider approval.

This includes the impact of the proposed dumping of dredged material necessary to undertake the Ringaskiddy project.

An Bord Pleanála said it considers this to be an activity directly connected to the proposed development and its impact was not properly assessed in the EIS the company originally submitted.

In addition, it wants the resubmitted EIS "to address the potential in combination effects" arising from all relevant permitted and proposed plans and projects in the vicinity of Ringaskiddy, including the permitted development of a 74-berth marina in Cobh, which was not acknowledged in the EIS.

The Port of Cork has been instructed to have the revised EIS submitted to An Bord Pleanála by February 23. The company had expected a decision on its planning application by the end of last year.

For more news on the proposed Ringaskiddy development, click HERE.

Almost a year ago plans and details outlining the redevelopment site in lower Cork Harbour to include 3D display's for a public consultation were made open.

#portofcork – The Port of Cork has launched their Schools Initiative for 2015 and is encouraging all 5th class primary school teachers to get their class involved. This year's theme 'RMS Lusitania – Commemorating 100 Years in 2015' focuses on the sinking of the Lusitania which is an important event in the history of Cork Harbour.

The Port of Cork Schools Initiative aims to educate 5th class primary school children about the rich history associated with Cork Harbour and to highlight the importance of having a local port to facilitate the imports and exports of trade. The initiative also gives children a better understanding of where cargo comes from and how Ireland, as an island depends on Ports for trading.

All participating 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative will be treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour, compliments of the Port of Cork and each class will also receive a certificate of participation. The 'Best Overall Project' will receive a tour on board one of the many large cruise liners visiting Cork during the summer of 2015. In addition to this, an award will also be given for 'Best Artwork Piece'.

Speaking about the 2015 theme, Port of Cork Chief Executive Brendan Keating said: "We are delighted to be launching our tenth Schools Initiative which has gone from strength to strength each year. The theme this year will hopefully encourage school children to study the Port of Cork and the rich history of Cork Harbour. The centenary of the Lusitania this year is an important occasion which will be marked with a commemorative event in Cobh on the 7th May."

He continued; "Every year we have up to thirty schools participating and we hope this year we will have the same or more. This is an educational initiative open to primary schools in the Cork City and Harbour area."

Projects are to be presented in artwork format using painting and models. All submitted projects will go on public display in the Cobh Maritime Building before the winner is announced in May 2015. Closing date for entries is Friday 27th March 2015.

For more information on this year's schools initiative or to arrange a visit by the Port of Cork to your school, please contact Sinead Keary, Commercial Department, Port of Cork. Email [email protected] or call 021 4625375.

#portofcork – The Port of Cork will invest over €1.5 million in upgrading facilities at Cobh Cruise liner Terminal, Ireland's only dedicated cruise berth, with the installation of a number of high load mooring bollards at the east and west end of the Cobh Cruise Berth which will enable larger ships to be berthed.

The work which will commence before the end of January is expected to be completed by April 2015 in time to welcome the first cruise call on 24th April. In total, 55 cruise liners are scheduled to call to Cork in 2015, 10 of which are maiden calls and 20 of which will be carrying in excess of 3,000 passengers.

Speaking about the upgrades, Captain Michael McCarthy said "The Port of Cork Company is committed to developing the cruise business into Cork and these upgrades of our cruise berth in Cobh will enable us to accommodate 'Quantum Class' vessels which are the largest cruise liners currently operating in Europe. The global trend in the cruise industry is changing from smaller, high end ships to large 'mega ships' such the 'Quantum Class' vessels which can carry in excess of 4,000 passengers.

"Attracting these 'mega ships' to Cobh would be a huge advantage, not only for the Port but for the entire Cork region. We know that the cruise industry is worth between €13 and €14 million annually to Cork alone so there are some major opportunities for the tourist industry to capitalise on this."

During the initial period of construction, there will be some temporary changes to parking at the east end of the Five Foot Way car park in Cobh and some limitations for pedestrian access. However the Port of Cork will ensure that any disruption is minimised and appreciates the understanding and co-operation from car park users whilst construction is underway.

#CorkMakeover - In an image published on the Irish Independent (click here), this is what Cork harbour will look after a massive €1bn makeover that will transform it from an industrial eyesore, into one of the world's great maritime and tourism centres.

Cork ranks as one of the world's five great natural harbours and, in the 19th century, was arguably the most important port for Britain's Royal Navy as it controlled the Atlantic approaches.

In the early 20th century, Cork harbour was also one of the world's busiest cruise liner ports and was associated with such famous ships as RMS Titanic, RMS Lusitania and HMS Dreadnought.

Cobh Harbour was the last mooring of the Titanic before she set sail for the open Atlantic in 1912,never to return. The White Star Line office, where tickets were bought for the ill-fated sailing, is now a museum and heritage centre based around the massive liner.

But over 100 years of under-investment and problematic industrial projects has left Cork with a depressing harbour legacy. For more on this story, click HERE.

#AgriFoodSeminar - Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is to launch a seminar next week on the importance of supply chain and logistics in the Agri-Food sector.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Ireland (CILT) seminar at the Port of Cork Customs House takes place on Thursday November 27th from 20:00-22:00.

The port's Commercial Manager Captain Michael McCarthy, will chair the discussion.

To attend the free seminar which is to comprise a panel discussion and networking opportunity for 3PLs, experts, manufacturers, retailers and training/education in the South of Ireland.

To register email: [email protected], stating your name and company.

Source: www.imdo.ie

#GreenportAwards – At the GreenPort Congress in Barcelona held last week, the European Sea Ports Organsition (ESPO) was delighted to congratulate the ports of Cork, Calais and Moerdijk for achieving the Port Environmental Review System (PERS) certification.

ESPO Chairman Santiago Garcia Mila presented the PERS certificates to the port representatives, Mr Finbarr Kearney (Cork), Mr Laurent Devulder (Calais), and Mr Jacco Rentrop (Moerdijk) respectively.

ESPO would like to pay particular tribute to the three ports for being amongst the most faithful supporters and ambassadors of the EcoPorts tools and approach.

The ports of Cork and Moerdijk achieved PERS certification for the fourth consecutive time since their initial certifications in 2006.

Calais received its certificate for the third time in a row since its initial commitment to PERS in 2010.

PERS is the only port sector specific environmental management standard. It is the flagship product of the EcoPorts network and is offered as part of ESPO services to its members through the EcoPorts website: www.ecoports.com

Compliance with the PERS standard is independently assessed by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance and the certificate has a validity of two years. There are currently 20 ports in Europe that hold a valid PERS certificate.

ESPO is delighted with the increased interest shown to PERS by European port authorities and encourages all ports within its membership to implement the scheme and receive a certification.

#EmigrationMuseum – The Port of Cork's Company's Custom House and Bonded Warehouse buildings located along the city's central quays, are to be converted into a major €15m museum that will tell the story of Ireland's emigration.

It is part of a major Cork bid, backed by international dance star Michael Flatley, to be named home of Ireland's National Diaspora Centre.

In a joint venture, the City and County Councils and the Port of Cork are proposing a major centre which could attract up to 500,000 visitors per year. For further details, see last week's Evening Echo report HERE.

#maritime – The first ever Irish Maritime Forum was held today (Friday, 26th September 2014) in Cork's City Hall. Hosted by the Port of Cork, in partnership with the Irish Ports Association, the forum was attended by over 150 delegates from across the maritime industry.

Entitled 'Developing the Dynamic Future for Ireland's Maritime Sector', the forum focussed on the challenges and opportunities faced by those operating within the maritime sector, both in Ireland and in Europe.

Opening the conference, Minister Sean Sherlock TD spoke of the importance of ports as strategic points for trade growth, both nationally and internationally. He highlighted the Port of Cork and other Irish ports as global benchmarks and commended them for their future vision.

Guest speakers at the forum included Vincent De Saedeleer, Vice President of the Port of Zebrugee; Mr Alan Gray, Managing Director of the Indecon International Consulting Group; Captain Fredrik Van Wijnen, General Secretary of the Confederation of European Shipmasters' Associations (CESMA), Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) and Patrick Verhoeven, Secretary General of the European Community Shipowner's Association (ECSA).

Speaking at the forum, John Mullins, Chairman of the Port of Cork, said: "I am delighted to be opening the inaugural Irish Maritime Forum here in Cork. This is a unique opportunity for industry leaders to come together and develop ideas for change. These ideas need to be put to policy makers to shape future government policy for the sector and I hope that is something that we can achieve here today".

Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork continued, "We know that ports are a key element for national economic growth, particularly as Ireland emergences from recessionary times. However adequate port infrastructure is critical for future growth."

The forum will continue throughout the afternoon and will culminate with a gala dinner also in City Hall for over 200 guests.