Port launch plan for next 3 decades
A recently launched plan by the Port of Cork is reliant, it said, on the successful resolution of key constraints and challenges like the delivery of the M28.
The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) Masterplan outlines its plans and ambitions over the next 3 decades and provides an integrated framework for the port to strategically plan and adapt to meet the needs of Ireland’s future social, economic and environmental development.
It includes plans to support the green energy sector and a roadmap outlining the Port’s ‘River to Sea’ journey, consolidating all activities in the lower harbour by 2050.
However, the plan also include some constraints and challenges like:
• Delivery of the M28 by Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to unlock significant port capacity in the lower harbour
• Planning permission and the necessary consents for future infrastructure development (e.g. foreshore licences and leases, and dredging permits) being secured
• Funding being obtained for future infrastructure developments to meet projected trade growth and to facilitate the requirements of ORE and the green energy sector
• Additional land holdings being secured to enable the port expansion outlined in the Masterplan
• Delivery of the R624 link road from Marino Point to the N25 by Cork County Council.
Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD launched the masterplan.
He said: “Cork Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. It has been a working port for centuries and is one of Ireland’s major employment hubs. The Port of Cork Masterplan offers a strategic blueprint towards the future, with the facilitation of fixed offshore renewable energy as a central part of the plan, with full planning permission already in place to provide essential onshore infrastructure resources.
“I also welcome the port's ambitions to achieve a 51% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, reaching NetZero emissions by 2050, in accordance with the government's Climate Action Plan 2023. This new plan is definitely charting a course to a new sustainable and secure future for the Port.”
Eoin McGettigan, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Cork Company said: “Historically, the Port of Cork has been an energy hub for the region by facilitating the import of fuels such as coal, oil, timber, and land-based wind turbines. As we make the necessary move away from fossil fuel consumption, the Port of Cork will continue to play a key role in facilitating the future energy needs of the country as a hub for renewable fuels, transition fuels and offshore energy streams.”
He added: “The Port of Cork is a commercial port and to ensure its ongoing competitiveness, we must adapt to the rapidly changing customer expectations which are pressuring the shipping industry to deliver goods in a faster, more flexible, and sustainable manner at low delivery cost.
“To do this, we must provide our customers with reliable, safe, high-performing facilities and services, and be an efficient link in the logistics chain.
“Despite this commercial ambition, we are extremely aware of our heritage and the role we play in our local community. As we endeavour to meet changing demands, the well-being of the people of Cork and its environment will continue to be embedded in our values, and be reflected in every decision we make,” he concluded.
The plan can be read at portofcork.ie.