Entrepreneurs and business owners in the marine research sector have sharply criticised the decision of UCC and Cork Institute of Technology to withdraw funding and staffing from the Irish Maritime and Energy Research Cluster in Ringaskiddy.

Leesiders have long been known for an intense pride in the close ties between their home town and the nearby Atlantic lapping on its shores.

A maritime heritage organisation based in Cork city has published a strategic plan to meet the increasing interest in traditional boats such as currachs.

Update 12.45pm: A fuel tanker that disappeared from a Malaysian port was taken by its own crew in a dispute with their employer, Indonesian and Malaysian officials have said.

In 2002, Cork County Council called for government funding for a main drainage scheme in Cork Harbour to stop sewage pouring into its waters — 12 years later, the project hasn’t gone to tender yet.

SHOULD it be every Cork resident’s right to get out on the abundant waters of the harbour, or the River Lee?