Cork port ‘must grow’ for global access

Business competitiveness throughout Munster will be undermined if the Port of Cork is unable to develop extra capacity to service exporters targeting global markets, the company’s chief executive Brendan Keating has told business leaders.

Speaking at the Cork Chamber Business Breakfast held in association with the Irish Examiner, Mr Keating said: “If the Port of Cork is deprived of the opportunity of developing its facilities, this will have the effect of undermining the competitiveness of businesses in the region, and in turn will undermine the region’s ability to participate in and benefit from valuable trading opportunities in global markets.”

Mr Keating said success for businesses in global markets is dependent upon a number of factors, one such factor is a competitive, integrated route to market for products.

“A successful port in securing its future must gain a competitive advantage by integrating seamlessly into the logistics chain. Logistics, therefore, are a central aspect of our business,” he added.

Mr Keating said if Ireland, and more particularly Cork, is to continue to develop its open economy dependent upon trade for growth and prosperity, there is a need for the port to expand so the economy and businesses can prosper.