Port of Cork’s plans for Ringaskiddy cargo terminal to go on display

Details of the Port of Cork’s latest plans to build a multi-million-euro cargo terminal at Ringaskiddy will go on public display next month.

The port is to make a strategic infrastructure development application for the new port facilities. The development will involve the relocation of some of the port’s inner harbour activities to a new terminal. It is aimed around increasing port traffic by 2% a year for the next 20 years.

In 2008, An Bord Pleanála turned down a similar planning application from the Port of Cork.

It cited the inadequacy of the supporting road network, the potential traffic congestion at three local roundabouts, and the lack of a rail infrastructure for its decision. It is understood the revised plans are for a project half the size of that proposed in 2008.

The Port of Cork is arguing that the port needs to move to Ringaskiddy as it can facilitate larger container ships which are not possible to facilitate at Tivoli due to the narrowness and depth of the channel.

The plans would involve the re-location of the existing pier and slipway at Ringaskiddy. In 2008, local residents objected on the grounds of increased noise, dust, and traffic.

Last night, Port of Cork chairman, John Mullins, reiterated the point that the port “could be much more efficient if we could bring in bigger ships as we would then have bigger but less traffic”. He also cited the “big dividend” for the public if the green light is given to a €200m dual carriageway which would provide a 14km route from the Jack Lynch tunnel to the terminal at Ringaskiddy.

The NRA and Cork County Council hope to appoint consultants to the project shortly.