Murphy welcomes An Bord Pleanala decision enabling Port of Cork expansion

Dara Murphy, Minister for European Affairs and Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, has welcomed today’s decision by An Bord Pleanala to grant planning permission to the Port of Cork, for a new container facility near the Ringaskiddy ferry terminal and an extension to the deep-water berth. 

It heralds the beginning of the process of regenerating the Tivoli docklands area, in keeping with the Port of Cork’s plan to move shipping operations away from Tivoli and Cork City docks to Ringaskiddy, by 2018.

“This is a win-win decision for both the local residents in Tivoli and Glanmire, as traffic congestion will now be eased in the area, while the Cork docklands urban regeneration project can progress.

“Meanwhile, the Port of Cork, which contributes – €139 billion in port trade estimated to support 172,000 full time jobs across Ireland’s economy (2012 figures) can plan for its long term commercial future, expanding its deep-water berth facilities at Ringaskiddy to accommodate larger commercial ships, that require more depth. 

“This development will be the catalyst for the further sustainable development of the Cork region and surrounding hinterland. The Port of Cork, located in the second biggest harbour in the world, has unrivalled potential for additional deep sea shipping services.”