Port company considers 12 sites for €200m deepwater terminal
Port authorities have written to businesses and community organisations around the harbour asking them to get involved in a consultation process.
The company has identified 12 possible sites in the harbour for a deepwater terminal capable of handling the current supercargo vessels.
Last year Bord Pleanála turned down the Port of Cork plan to build the terminal at the Oysterbank in Ringaskiddy, citing a lack of a rail connection and proper road infrastructure.
A spokeswoman for the port said Oysterbank was still being considered but there are also a number of other options.
Other sites under the microscope include the former IFI plant at Marino Point, the Curlane Bank near Haulbowline, and the former ADM jetty in Ringaskiddy.
“Our plan is to talk to business and local communities in each area and discuss their needs and concerns before submitting any new plan. We hope by the end of February to have identified the most suitable site,” the spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, Port of Cork chairman Dermot O’Mahoney revealed yesterday the recession had led to a significant drop in the amount of cargo handled by the company.
He said there had been an 18% downturn in cargo handling during the past 15 months.
Mr O’Mahoney said the company has experienced “a challenging year in 2009 with all areas of port business exposed to the economic slowdown”.
He added that throughout last year the company had maintained a sustained drive to reduce its cost base, and aimed to continually meet the needs of customers during this difficult period.
National port statistics indicate that the rate and pace of the decline in shipping traffic volumes continued to ease during the third quarter of 2009 with growth forecast to return in the latter half of 2010.
Mr O’Mahoney said the company had successfully completed the Cork Dockers’ Rationalisation Proposal last year “allowing the port to provide more efficient, reliable and, most importantly, cost-effective shipping services for all users in the future”.
Scores of dockers were paid redundancy money as part of the rationalisation programme.
The chairman said despite the downturn the Port of Cork remained optimistic for 2010, especially with the re-establishment by Fastnet Line of the ferry service from Cork to Swansea.
Mr O’Mahoney said this will provide a much need boost to both the local and regional economy at a time when Irish tourism needs it the most.
He added the cruise liner business continued to be buoyant.
“We will see over 50 vessels visit Cork Harbour this year with the spectacular vessels Eclipse, Queen Victoria and Independence of the Seas again expected to bring over 100,000 visitors to the region.
“The investment in Cobh has seen the port develop as a prime cruise location with its dedicated berth and the only port in Ireland capable of berthing these magnificent vessels,” Mr O’Mahoney said.
The port authorities estimate that more than 103,000 passengers and crew from cruise ships visited the region last year, spending about €5m.
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