Port of Cork should seize opportunity – Clune

Senator Deirdre Clune is welcoming Cork’s crucial role in the new ‘National Ports Policy’. The Port of Cork Company has been listed as a Tier 1 port of national significance in the new policy. The government is seeking to harness the potential of all the ports in Ireland in order to boost economic growth and recovery.

“Our commercial ports play an extremely important role in allowing for trade, tourism and other passengers. As a country, we are now moving from a ‘one size fits all’ strategy to a more targeted approach which will take advantage of each port’s different attributes.

“The Port of Cork has developed a strategic plan for the area and will be applying for planning permission at Ringaskeedy later this year. If the development plan is achieved, the port could become a focal point of the community creating jobs and enterprise.

“I hope to see the Port of Cork obtain future investment in deep water capacity. Under the government’s plan it will remain as a commercial port and be expected to turn a profit.

“The government is committed to managing our ports to achieve success for the local economies as well as Ireland as a whole.

“The National Ports Policy provides clarity to our port companies on their future direction. It will allow for international and Irish businesses to connect with the world economy in an efficient manner.

“It is a great opportunity for Cork to be at the forefront of port development.1,274 vessels travelled through the port of Cork in 2011 and under the new national strategy this figure will undoubtedly increase in the coming years.”