Port to resubmit bid for multi-purpose berth

The Port of Cork intends to submit a new application for planning by September to develop a multi-purpose berth in Ringaskiddy.

Commercial manager Captain Michael McCarthy told business people at a Sales Institute of Ireland breakfast seminar in the Clarion Hotel yesterday that Cork could not accommodate the shipping sector’s latest generation of larger ships without this development.

“It is vital for the region and for the port that we do get permission,” said Capt McCarthy.

“We cannot contemplate not getting permission. Tivoli will continue to operate, but it has a 155m length restriction. Longer ships can’t turn there.

“We have seven key services with Rotterdam, Amsterdam and other major ports. We have a catchment area from Mayo to Dungarvan, and great business potential. Businesses here will be paying €400 to €500 extra per shipment if they have to go via Dublin.”

Capt McCarthy said Tivoli will continue to play a key role, noting that any changes will be phased in over several years. He said global shipping’s increased vessel size was the key driver behind the Ringaskiddy plan.

The planning submission is a scaled-down version of an application previously rejected by An Bord Pleanála over concerns the N28 Cork-Ringaskiddy road and the Jack Lynch tunnel could not cope with traffic from the cargo-handling facilities.

The Port of Cork’s hopes rest on National Roads Authority plans to upgrade the road networks in the area. The port also hopes the planning authorities will accept its plans for a gradual scaling up of work at the proposed facility at Oysterbank, Ringaskiddy.