Council urged to hear residents’ views on port

Cork County Council’s CEO has been urged to take on board the views of residents living close to a planned €100m expansion of Ringaskiddy port before he submits a report to An Bord Pleanála.

The planning authority will be the only body to decide on the Port of Cork’s plan to expand its deep water terminal as it is classified as strategic infrastructure.

Fianna Fáil councillor Seamus McGrath said while the council was not obliged to hear residents’ views, it is something it should do before submitting its report.

He told council chief Tim Lucey it “was only reasonable” that he and senior planning officials meet with residents in Ringaskiddy, Monkstown, and Shanbally to hear their concerns.

Finn Séin councillor Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire agreed and said residents were concerned, especially about noise and dust which might be generated during the construction phase.

The Port of Cork lodged its planning application on May 1.

Mr Lucey said he would show councillors a copy of his report on July 14. He said observations could then be added.