Cork cargo terminal refused planning permission

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a multi-million euro cargo terminal in Cork Harbour.

A three-week public hearing was held in April after more than 500 objections against the development were lodged with the planning appeals body.

The Port of Cork had been looking to build a new container terminal at Ringaskiddy because it claims its current facility at Tivoli docks is too small to handle new super container ships.

The proposed development also included a 480-metre quay with a roll on/roll off berth.

An Bord Pleanála's reasons for rejecting the project include excess traffic congestion in the locality and the lack of a rail link in the area.

Mr Brendan Keating, chief executive Port of Cork said: “We are very disappointed with An Bord Pleanála’s decision in relation to a development which is a vital necessity for the economy in Cork and throughout Munster.

"The need for a new container terminal and multi-purpose roll-on roll-off berth is urgent and Bord Pleanála had already accepted that our application clearly qualified for processing under the terms of the Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006.

"The Port of Cork’s existing container terminal at Tivoli will shortly exceed capacity due to severe limitations on the size and number of the ships which dock there.

"Tivoli container facility reached capacity earlier than expected in 2006 and so the need for re-location is critical to the survival of the economy in Cork and Munster."

Port of Cork management said that they will study the details of the decision before deciding on how to progress from here.