Application lodged to expand Ringaskiddy facilities

The Port of Cork has lodged a major planning application with An Bord Pleanála for a massive multimillion-euro expansion of its Ringaskiddy facilities.

The application is being made under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act and follows what Port of Cork chief executive Brendan Keating described as “constructive pre-application engagement” with An Bord Pleanála.

The application also follows an extensive 12-month public consultation.

The port company said where possible, comments from harbour residents were considered and some amendments were made to the proposed plans.

But Mr Keating said the port’s needs as a port of national significance have not changed.

“As a Tier 1 port, the Port of Cork must be able to meet the needs of the region and those of our customers,” Mr Keating said.

“Being able to accommodate larger vessels is of utmost importance if the Port of Cork is to remain competitive and future-proof Cork as an international gateway for trade.”

He also said that allowing the port to meet and secure its development potential, would translate into significant quantified economic benefits for Cork and the surrounding region, as well as the national economy.

The application includes four key elements. The first, covering an area at Ringaskiddy East, proposes the construction of:

nA new 314m container and multipurpose berth capable of accommodating vessels carrying a range of different cargoes including containers, freight and general cargoes.

* A 200m container berth.

* The surfacing of some port land to provide operational areas.

* Dredging of the seabed at the new berths to a level of -13.0m Chart Datum (CD).

* The demolition of an existing link-span, and the installation of a link-span comprising a floating pontoon and access bridge.

* The installation of container handling cranes and terminal transport equipment, new maintenance and administration buildings, new entrance kiosks, and car parking.

The deep-water berth at Ringaskiddy West is also earmarked for an extension to include:

* A 182m extension comprising a filled quay structure extending no further seaward than the edge of the existing deep-water berth.

* Dredging works within Ringaskiddy basin to facilitate navigational access to the new facilities.

A series of improvements to some of the internal and external roads, some of which will facilitate future access to the N28, are proposed.

The planning application also proposes to develop a public amenity area at nearby Paddy’s Point, including the construction of a new public pier, slipway and boarding platform, new planting and landscaping, boat storage, lighting and fencing.

* The planning documents will be available to view on http://www.ringaskiddyportredevelopment.ie from today.