Umbrella group backs Port of Cork’s plan for €100m terminal upgrade

An umbrella organisation which represents more than 1,800 community groups has put its weight behind the Port of Cork’s plans for a €100m upgrade of its deepwater terminal at Ringaskiddy.

The planning application is still being considered by An Bord Pleanála but, in the meantime, Cork Community & Voluntary Forum says the project must get the green light and called on the Government to commit money to upgrading the Cork-Ringaskiddy road. Chairman Finbarr Harrington said the current road serving Ringaskiddy remained an obstacle to the port’s plans.

In 2008, An Bord Pleanála rejected a similar port plan, saying that, in their current state, the N28 (Cork-Ringa-skiddy road) and the Jack Lynch Tunnel could not handle the increased HGV traffic that a major enlargement of cargo-handling facilities at Ringaskiddy would bring.

The National Roads Authority has already completed a new design of the Jack Lynch Tunnel/Dunkettle interchange but is awaiting funding for the project.

It is also awaiting funding for the N28 upgrade, estimated to cost in the region of €100m.

Mr Harrington said it was time the Government “fast-tracked” these projects “which are going to benefit the greater Cork region”.

“Cork Harbour, as the second largest harbour in the world, there is a fantastic opportunity for the Port of Cork to grow in Ringaskiddy. Such a development will attract huge investment and jobs to our community,” said Mr Harrington.

“The one obstacle is the development of a top class road to Ringaskiddy and I hope that the Government can provide this important investment to Cork in the near future.”

Seven years ago the Port of Cork Company was refused planning permission for a €160m container port development in Ringaskiddy because of an inadequate road network.