Talk to the residents of Cork harbour first
What could Cork people object to in the moving of a container port in the River Lee to Monkstown Bay, which is surrounded by residences in Cobh, Monkstown, and Ringaskiddy?
Perhaps they fear the traffic chaos when the Jack Lynch Tunnel becomes Cork’s Port Tunnel? An Bord Pleanala refused permission in the first attempt to move a container port, because of the traffic implications, and its non-connectivity to rail.
Perhaps they are loathe to stifle the tourism that is beginning in Cork Harbour with new marinas in the inner harbour and all the expectations for Spike Island, as a prime tourist attraction in the south?
Maybe they fear the noise, particularly from future dredging, because it will still be in the river and need ongoing maintenance, but on the wrong side?
Perhaps they see it as an amenity grab by a developer and fear it is being directed by lobbyists?
No-one hears of these wishes and hopes, except at oral hearings.
Communities do not get pre-planning consultations before the application, although thee communities have the local knowledge necessary for maintaining proper planning.
Glenville
Monkstown
Co. Cork
