A masterplan has been unveiled for a multi-million euro redevelopment of the former Irish Fertiliser Industries (IFI) site at Marino Point in Cork harbour, which will include a mix of industries and a new cruise ship berth.

A new strategy has been launched aimed at trebling the number of cruise liner visit to Bantry, Co Cork to 30 per year over the next five years.

A record 103 cruise liners are booked to visit Cork next year, including several which will dock in the port for the first time.

A major deal struck by the National Maritime College could signal Ireland’s arrival as world-leaders in safety training for personnel involved in the offshore gas and oil exploration sectors.

Twenty-five staff at the National Maritime College (NMCI) in Cork are to be told their jobs are still on the line, though progress has been made in a course accreditation row with the Department of Transport.

The National Maritime College of Ireland has accused the Department of Transport of engaging “in a turf war” that could threaten the international reputation of the college and render invalid training courses already completed by 400 students.

Staff at the National Maritime College have implored Transport Minister Shane Ross to intervene in a row which could threaten jobs at the Cork-based facility.

Ireland’s position as a world leader in maritime survival training is to be further cemented by a partnership of two Cork institutions which will design, build and run an offshore training centre in the Canary Islands.

Ireland’s only maritime college has set its sights on becoming the world’s first global training hub for officers of ocean-going super-tankers.

Ireland’s maritime training college will sign a landmark €2m training contract with one of the world’s largest shipping companies in Texas today.