Cork Harbour companies granted permission for wind turbines

The Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group is made up of four healthcare manufacturing sites collaborating to develop a renewable wind energy plan for each site.

The Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group has been informed by An Bord Pleanála that it has upheld the decision by Cork County Council to grant planning permission to its four members to install four wind turbines within their manufacturing sites, subject to a number of conditions. Their website states “[We] are very satisfied with the outcome and wish to acknowledge the involvement and support of so many individuals and organisations during the planning process.”

The Irish Examiner expands on the story though an article by Sean O’Riordan and Catherine Shanahan. The article states “the companies — which have invested over €2bn in the Cork region in the past 20 years — combined in the planning application to form the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group (CLHEG). They said the turbines would help to reduce the carbon footprint of each factory by up to 30%. That equates to a reduction of 22,000 tonnes of CO2 being spewed into the atmosphere every year, the equivalent of removing 11,000 cars from Irish roads annually.”

Click on the links below to read the Irish Examiner article and to visit the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group Website

Related links for this article 

Irish Examiner article

Link to the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group Website

Spike Island is to be developed as a major tourist hub - €40m plan recently unveiled

Pictured at the launch of the draft plan in the County Hall recently, (l-r) Martin Riordan, County Manager; David Flannery, Scott Tallon Walker Architects; Cllr Barbara Murray, Mayor of County Cork; Michael Counahan CHL Tourism and Brendan Tuohy, Chairman of the Spike Island Steering Group. (Picture, Cork County Council)


190 jobs could be generated from Cork County Council’s plan to transform Spike Island into a tourist attraction. A proposed €40.3m project could attract up to 300,000 visitors to the Cork Harbour every year, experts believe.

Compiled by a team of experts, led by Scott Tallon Walker and destination specialists, CHL Consulting, the document plans out the magnificent opportunity to create a new 100 acre national park on the water, with the 40 acre Mitchel Fort at its centre, renovated and developed as a complex of cultural heritage attractions and museums.

The development will be carried out on a phased basis over a number of years. Cork County Council hopes to secure funding from Failte Ireland for Phase 1 and it is hoped to commence works on this phase in 2013.

Related links for this article 

Download the plan from the Spike Island website

More information from Cork County Council

A Cork Harbour solution to current maritime training problems

The NMCI in Ringaskiddy can provide trainee seafarers with access to world-class ICT products

A major problem is facing the European shipping industry. As well as facing fierce competition from the Far East, it is predicted that there will be a shortage of 27,000 seafaring officers by 2015 (BIMCO/ISF 2005, 2010, Urkmez, 2005). MaritimeTraining is a platform which has been formed to promote the results of five highly successful completed EU funded maritime education and training (MET) projects. These projects directly address particular problems and deficiencies in MET. The intention is to include further products that are relevant to maritime training. Cork Harbour is well placed to capitalize on this opportunity through the world-class facilities at the NMCI in Ringaskiddy which can provide seafarers with information and computer technology (ICT) based products to improve the quality of their education. The project consortium believes that by raising standards in the field of European MET, and providing institutions with tools to improve the quality of their education, the employability and mobility of European seafarers will be increased. The partners involved in the MaritimeTraining platform have a clear vision for enhancing MET in their countries and throughout Europe, including Ireland. TUDEV and C4FF together support the platform with their network, namely MariFuture (www.marifuture.org) and MarEdu (www.maredu.co.uk). For more information about the MaritimeTraining Platform, please follow the link below. Related links for this article  Maritime Training Platform

Spike Island Ghost Tour

Spike Island Ghost Tour, 24th November

A Special Ghost Tour of Spike Island will take place on the 24th November departing from Kennedy pier at 7PM (returning at 9PM). Tickets are available for on a first come first served basis up to November 22nd at €15 from Cork County Council’s Offices in the Cash Office, Floor 1, County Hall, Cork, and from the Tourist Information Office in Cobh. There is a special reduced price of €14.50 for those booking online from the website titanic.ie. The Spike Island ghost tour is a unique experience based on the many local stories of ghost and sighted apparitions on the Island over the years. Following the investigations of Ghost Hunters International on Spike Island earlier this year, a tour that will trace the Island’s darker folklore will be conducted through some of the spookiest recesses of the Island. Evidence and tales of the unexplained will be shared with participants recalling eyewitness accounts and technical investigative procedures in the darkened atmosphere of Spike’s isolation. Related links for this article  Cork County Council information Spike Island Walking Tours website

Spike Island is to be developed as a major tourist hub - €40m plan recently unveiled

Pictured at the launch of the draft plan in the County Hall recently, (l-r) Martin Riordan, County Manager; David Flannery, Scott Tallon Walker Architects; Cllr Barbara Murray, Mayor of County Cork; Michael Counahan CHL Tourism and Brendan Tuohy, Chairman of the Spike Island Steering Group. (Picture, Cork County Council)

190 jobs could be generated from Cork County Council’s plan to transform Spike Island into a tourist attraction. A proposed €40.3m project could attract up to 300,000 visitors to the Cork Harbour every year, experts believe. Compiled by a team of experts, led by Scott Tallon Walker and destination specialists, CHL Consulting, the document plans out the magnificent opportunity to create a new 100 acre national park on the water, with the 40 acre Mitchel Fort at its centre, renovated and developed as a complex of cultural heritage attractions and museums. The development will be carried out on a phased basis over a number of years. Cork County Council hopes to secure funding from Failte Ireland for Phase 1 and it is hoped to commence works on this phase in 2013. Related links for this article  More information from Cork County Council

East Tip, Haulbowline Island, Remediation Project, Public Consultation, Ringaskiddy

Download a PDF version of this flier below

Information Evening in Ringaskiddy  As part of the non-statutory public consultation for the East Tip Remediation Project, Cork County Council is holding an Information Evening: Venue: The Community Centre, Ringaskiddy Date: Monday 19th November 2012 Time: 6:30pm A number of presentations will be made by the Project Team who will then be available to discuss the project, record feedback and answer any queries that people may have. You can also contact the Project Team by: Emailing: haulbowline@rpsgroup.com Or Writing to: East Tip Remediation Project, RPS, Innishmore, Ballincollig, Co Cork. Related links for this article  Follow the progress of the project here Flier for the public meeting, Ringaskiddy

Irish Ports in good position to capitalise on growing demand for offshore marine renewable energy services

At least seven Irish ports are in a good situation to facilitate the demands of the offshore marine renewable sector

Source: The Irish Maritime Development Office, November 2012  The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) has today published its report on “The Irish Ports Offshore Renewable Energy Services” (IPORES). The report provides a detailed summary of information on Irish port infrastructure, facilities and management plans in relation to meeting requirements of marine renewable energy developers. The report found that at least seven Irish ports are in a good situation to facilitate and service both current and future demands of the offshore marine renewable sector. The report identifies that large scale development projects in particular have strong potential to generate several hundred new jobs and other positive economic benefits for the regions. The study involved a detailed stakeholder consultation process and analysis of 14 ports around the island of Ireland including a comparison with some key renewable energy services ports in the UK and Germany. Irish Ports were categorised according to criteria that would meet the requirements to service the offshore renewable energy sector which included port infrastructure, available quay space and hinterland, depth of water, past experience with the sector, proximity to markets, potential for job creation and availability of skills and maritime services. The report provides a number of recommendations including the establishment of clear targets to deliver new offshore ocean renewable projects at Irish ports leading to new investment and employment opportunities. Ireland’s offshore renewable energy resources are amongst the highest in the world with a potential of between 63,000 and 73,000 MW of power available for harnessing. Ports will play a key role in facilitating future large-scale developments and operations of ocean energy devices (wind turbines, wave energy converters and tidal turbines). Related links for this article  The Irish Ports Offshore Renewable Energy Services” (IPORES) Report.  IMDO website

The Titanic 100 Closing Ceremony

Titanic 100 commemorations, Cobh 2012

The Titanic 100 Closing Ceremony is scheduled to take place in the Cobh Promenade between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday 15th of December. Special guests will reflect on the events during 2012. Organisers of the Titanic 100 events estimate that 94,000 people visited Cobh in April for the commemorations, generating over €2 million for the local economy. Enormous goodwill was generated for Cobh and it’s environs. It is estimated that the PR generated for the town would have a value of over €16 million. Christmas Markets are scheduled to be held in the Cobh Promenade from Saturday December 15th to Sunday December 23rd 2012. The Cobh Christmas Markets will be officially opened after the Titanic Commemoration Closing Ceremony. It is hoped that a number of wooden German-style Christmas huts will be in place to create to enhance the experience. Related links for this article  Titanic 100 website

Port of Cork Welcomes Final Cruise Liner of 2012 Season

P & O's MV Adonia is the final cruise liner to visit Cork Harbour this season

Call of “Adonia” closes busiest cruise season to date The Port of Cork welcomed MV Adonia, the final cruise liner of the 2012 season to Cobh on 6th November following the busiest year to date for the Port in terms of cruise calls. In total, 57 liners called to the Port of Cork, home to Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth, carrying almost 100,000 passengers and crew. The Port of Cork has ambitious plans to grow the business and already the 2013 season is showing growth, with 62 liners expected to call. Some of these calls will stay overnight and at least 10 liners will make their maiden call to Cork in 2013. For the first time ever, Europe’s largest cruise liner “Independence of the Seas” will welcome passengers to embark at Cobh next June and September for a 12 night cruise around the Norwegian Fjords. This initiative which is exclusive to Lee Travel is a major coup for Cork. Over the last 10 years, the Port of Cork has invested €8 million in upgrading and improving cruise facilities and this has made a major impact on the number of calls, increasing from 35 in 2005 to 57 this year. With an average spend per in-transit passenger of approximately €73 per day*, the cruise business is an important catalyst for the local economy. Commenting on the success of the 2012 cruise season, Captain Michael McCarthy, Commercial Manager of the Port of Cork said “We know from our meetings with the cruise lines that Cork and the Munster region is a very popular destination for passengers due to the exciting range of shore excursions on offer and the warm welcome they receive here which is second to none. We want to grow the number of cruise calls to 80 over the next five years and to increase turn-around calls and overnight stays to generate even further revenue for the region.” As always, all cruise liners that called to Cork throughout the season were given a very special welcome courtesy of CorkCruise, providing tourist representatives to go onboard each vessel, a display of traditional Irish dancing for passengers and a fond farewell on the quayside with a performance by a local brass band. These efforts were recognised once again in 2011 when the Port of Cork was awarded two Cruise Insight Awards for ‘Best Shore Side Welcome’ and ‘Best Tour Guides’ which were announced at the global shipping conference, Seatrade Miami in April 2012. *Failte Ireland ‘Cruise Tourism to Ireland’ Survey 2010 Related links for this article  Port of Cork Website

Cork Harbour Open Weekend A Huge Success

Pictured at the launch of Cork Harbour Open Weekend at the Irish Naval Base, Haulbowline is Minister for Agriculture, Food & The Marine Simon Coveney T.D with Niamh O’Mahony (age 8)

Cork Harbour Open Weekend proved to be a huge success once again, with hundreds of families turning out at events which took place around the harbour on Saturday and Sunday, 15th & 16th September 2012. There were lots of events on offer, both on and off the water and many were free to all to enjoy. In Ringaskiddy, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) opened their doors for the weekend and gave visitors guided tours of the facilities including their state of the art panoramic bridge ship simulators, the survival pool and the marine workshops. In the city, Irish Naval Vessel the L.E Ciara was open to the public and an exciting display by the Emergency & Statutory Services took place which saw thousands line Kennedy Quay to watch organisations such as the Irish Coast Guard, SARDA dogs, Defence Forces and the Fire Brigade demonstrate their capabilities. Saturday also saw the annual Cobh to Blackrock sailing race which brought over 50 boats into the Port of Cork City Marina. In Cobh, Spike Island hosted a family day out on the Island with live music, children’s entertainers and an opportunity to walk on the recently completed Walking Trail around the perimeter of Fort Mitchell with stunning views of Cork Harbour. Military Exhibitions were also on display for visitors. Also in Cobh, In Cobh, there was crab fishing at The Promenade, a ‘Life Along the Seashore’ walk and the ‘Cobh Great Island, Great harbour, Great Ships, Great Puzzle’ treasure hunt which proved great fun for all. In Crosshaven, Camden Fort Meagher hosted military re-enactments on both days and proved a fantastic day out for families. The weekend marked their last opening for the 2012 season and certainly left most visitors already looking forward to returning next year. The idea for a Harbour Open Day, now extended to a full weekend, emerged from discussions between various stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the Integrated Strategy for the Harbour in 2007. This has been taken forward by the Harbour Management Focus Group (HMFG) which meets quarterly to exchange information on Harbour issues. A HMFG working group comprising representatives from UCC, City and County Councils and the Port of Cork set about working together to engage users of the Harbour and to organise the Open Day. Related links for this article  View the Programme of Events 2012

NMCI Recognises the importance of e-Learning at MarLeaNet Conference, Brest, France

The NMCI will lead a discussion at the final conference of the MarLeaNet project

The National Maritime College of Ireland will lead a discussion on maritime training and educational methods at the final conference of the Maritime Learning Network 'MarLeaNet', an EU project linking a network of maritime training centres in Portugal, Spain, France and Ireland – in Brest, France on 9th and 10th October. The MarLeaNet final conference brings together maritime training and education centres along the Atlantic area to discuss topics related to the development of maritime training, not least planning to incorporate e-Learning into the training offering. Led by the European Centre for Maritime Training CEFCM, which is based in Brest, France, the MarLeaNet final conference will host a number of experts from the full gamut of maritime training. The broad maritime sectors of the merchant marine, fisheries and naval sectors will be represented by experts from Portugal, Spain, France and Ireland. The National Maritime College of Ireland has nominated 4 experts to attend the two-day-conference, Lt Cmdr Anthony Heery from the Irish Naval Service, Arnaud Disant is Managing Director of Sea-Tech Evolution Ltd, Jane O’Keeffe is an expert in maritime supply chain logistics and Gerry Greenway is Head of the Maritime Unit in the Irish Customs and Revenue. The experts will be accompanied by Gráinne Lynch from the National Maritime College of Ireland. Related links for this article  MarLeaNet website NMCI website

Marine Research Conferences at UCC (October 9th - 12th)

Minister Simon Coveney launching Irelands integrated marine plan, “Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth” in July 2012

UCC is hosting three research conferences and workshops this week, October 9th-12th, with 180 delegates expected to attend the three events. The marine research themed conferences will showcase the best of local, national and international marine related research. October 10: The Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at UCC will host their 5th Annual ERI Research Open Day on the topic of Marine Research @ Cork. The event will feature presentations across a range of marine research areas where UCC has expertise including aquaculture, fisheries, marine biotechnology, marine renewables, geomatics, coastal governance and economic opportunities in the maritime and energy sphere. The ERI will launch the 2012-2013 Directory of Marine Research at UCC at the event, which showcase over 60 marine research projects currently underway at the University. UCC news article  ERI Open Day Programme (PDF)  October 9-10: The Geo-Seas project will host an international workshop to present the results of this European Commission funded project and provide demonstrations of these tools and services for the discovery, assessment and access to a range of marine geosciences datasets. The workshop will also include a number of keynote presentations by invited speakers from the international marine research community and other related fields. GeoSeas news article  Full GeoSeas programme (PDF) October 11-12: The INFOMAR Annual Seminar “Enabling our Ocean Management” will take place providing an update on the programme’s survey and research activities. The seminar will include a wide range of talks across areas such as ocean energy, hydrography and operations, aquaculture and fisheries, applied research, environmental and heritage. There will be poster sessions and vessel tours aboard the RV Keary. The Assistant Secretary at the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources and INFOMAR Board Chairperson, Michael Manley, will deliver a key presentation highlighting INFOMAR’s role in Ireland’s ocean wealth strategy and the importance of the ‘blue economy’. More information on the INFOMAR Annual Seminar

Official Launch of UCC’s Beaufort Laboratory

Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory, Ringaskiddy © McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects

Dr Michael B. Murphy, President of University College Cork, will officially launch the Beaufort Laboratory on Thursday 18 October 2012 on board the Irish Naval Vessel, L.É. Róisín, at Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin. Pat Rabbitte TD, Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources will be in attendance. The Beaufort Laboratory is a new flagship research facility, currently being constructed adjacent to the National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork and will integrate three existing UCC research entities, the Hydraulics & Maritime Research Centre (HMRC), the Coastal Marine Research Centre (CMRC) and the Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG). The Laboratory will be dedicated to multi-disciplinary research and knowledge transfer to support sustainable resource development and innovation in the maritime field, including areas such as ocean energy, coastal governance and energy storage. Its facilities, and chiefly its human resources will be UCC’s physical presence within the IMERC (Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster) cluster in Cork Harbour. The Beaufort Laboratory is funded by the Higher Education Authority PRTLI5 programme, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Bord Gáis Energy and the Glucksman Foundation using land released by the Industrial Development Agency. The 4700m² building will house the National Ocean Test Facility as well as dedicated laboratories, incubation suites for industry and accommodation for some 135 researchers. Related links for this article  CMRC website article on the Beaufort Laboratory

NMCI Visit the French Naval Academy, Toulon

Picture: From left to right: PO EA Rory Galvin (Irish Naval Service), Sub Lt Caroline Noble (French Navy), Lt Cmdr Anthony Heery (Irish Naval Service), Alain Pomes (CEFCM-European Maritime Training Centre), Cmdr Bertrand Hudault (French Navy). © Gráinne Lynch

Monday 1st October: The National Maritime College of Ireland recently sent 4 people to the Centre d’instruction naval (Naval Training Centre) in Toulon to exchange ideas and approaches to e-Learning in maritime training and education. This exchange was enabled by the Maritime Learning Network 'MarLeaNet', an EU project – a network of maritime training centres in Portugal, Spain, France and Ireland. The Naval Training Centre San Mandrier supports sailors throughout their careers in an impressive facility that extends over 110 hectares and two sites: Saint-Georges in the north, home to generations of engineers since 1936, and Cépet in the south, which forms the marine specialties in weapons and equipment (radar, electronic warfare, sonar, communications and information) and operations. The NTC delivers some impressive statistics with more than 400 courses, 8,000 students and trainees, 300,000 training days delivering everything from apprentice training to MA degrees. The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), located in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, in the second largest natural harbour in the world. A constituent college of Cork Institute of Technology, the NMCI is a state of the art facility that provides training and education for the Merchant Marine and the Irish Naval Service, which includes survival training facilities, fire fighting / damage control training, confined space training, jetty and lifeboat facilities. The one-day-meeting in France hosted experts from the Irish, Spanish and Portuguese navies and facilitated an excellent exchange of practices relating e-Learning methodologies. Anthony Heery, Michael Quinn and Rory Galvin from the Irish Naval Service and Gráinne Lynch from the National Maritime College of Ireland travelled to France. “The NMCI provides training to the seafarers, both the merchant marine and the Irish Naval Service. Learning from other training centres and navies through projects like ‘MarLeaNet’ is incredibly important for developing best practices in maritime training and education here in Ireland”, says Grainne Lynch, Project Manager of the MarLeaNet project in the NMCI. “Access to continued training throughout a seafarer’s career is essential and distance learning has always played a role. e-Learning is becoming increasingly popular as telecommunications technologies and broadband services on board ships become increasingly accessible,” adds Lynch. For more information on the MarLeaNet project please visit www.marleanet.com. Do come to the National Maritime College of Ireland Open Day on Tuesday 23 October 2012, 10.00am - 3.00pm. For Group Bookings contact +353 21 4970607. www.nmci.ie Related links for this article  MarLeaNet website NMCI website

East Tip, Haulbowline Island, Remediation Project, Public Consultation

Download a PDF version of this flier below

Information Evening in Cobh  As part of the non-statutory public consultation for the East Tip Remediation Project, Cork County Council is holding an Information Evening: Venue: The Commodore Hotel, Cobh Date: Thursday 11th October 2012 Time: 6:30pm A number of presentations will be made by the Project Team who will then be available to discuss the project, record feedback and answer any queries that people may have. You can also contact the Project Team by: Emailing: haulbowline@rpsgroup.com Or Writing to: East Tip Remediation Project, RPS, Innishmore, Ballincollig, Co Cork. Related links for this article  Follow the progress of the project here Flier for the public meeting

Cork ARC Dragon Boat Race

Join the Cork Dragon boat racing at 1PM on Saturday 22nd September

Cork ARC would like to extend a warm welcome to all women or men diagnosed with or recovering from breast cancer to register for the forthcoming Dragon Boating event, an initiative of Meitheal Mara in partnership with Cork ARC Cancer Support House, the Health Promotion Dept, HSE and the Prince Clinic. Dragon boat racing has all the right ingredients for a healthy return to wellness- physical exercise; it is outdoors, fun, support and laughter. No previous boating experience needed and it is open to all levels of physical fitness. Registration is necessary – For an application form contact Shirley O’Shea: Email: Shirley.oshea@hse.ie Tel: 0876670857 SO COME ALONG AND TRY OUT DRAGON BOATING FOR YOURSELF AT 1PM ON SATURDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2012 AT LAPP’S QUAY! Related links for this article  Cork Dragons Facebook Cork ARC Cancer Support Facebook

http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=210

Countdown to the Open Weekend – Focus on Cobh

Crab fishing in Cobh- a perennial favourite with kids of all ages!

There is an amazing array of events happening in Cobh to celebrate this coming Cork Harbour Open Weekend. There’s something for everyone and all these events are free. Cobh is also the departure point for the Spike Island ferries, which leave from Kennedy Quay. Tickets for Spike can be purchased from the kiosk there. Cobh to Blackrock Sailing Race (Sat only) - Free to watch – First Gun @ 2.30  A yearly event. Boats of all classes race from Cobh to Blackrock. This year the boats will continue up the river to the new Port of Cork City Marina. Over 50 boats expected to take part. To enter the race contact Cove Sailing Club. Spectator points on the race route are Blackrock Castle, Monkstown, Passage West and Cobh. Crab Fishing (Sat Only) – Free – Promenade, Cobh – 3.30AM - 5PM  A crab fishing competition for all the family to enjoy. A fishing line, bucket and bait will be supplied. The venue is Kennedy Park (The Promenade) in Cobh where even the youngest of children can fish in safety. The competition starts at 3.30pm and finishes at 5pm on Saturday. Organised by Cobh Tourism. Life Along the Seashore Walk (Sun only) - Free - Bishop Roche Park (Cove Fort), Cobh - 3PM  Discover life along the seashore at this walking tour along the shore, which is suitable for families. Meet at Bishop Roche Park (Cove Fort), next to the Port of Cork Operations Station, Connolly Street, Cobh. This event is run by Cobh Tidy Towns in association with the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and assisted by the Cork County Council Environmental Awareness Unit. Wolseley Vintage Car Rally (Sat Only) – Free – Cobh – 11AM – 12PM  Outside the Commodore Hotel. The annual Wolseley Car Club of Ireland rally will see around 50 cars visit Cobh. The rally attracts vintage cars, pre-war cars and post-war cars of all kinds. The event is not just a run. There are regularity sections and manoeuvrability tests. The competitor who performs best on these is the winner. ‘Exiles’ Exhibition (Sat & Sun) – Free – Cobh – 2PM-5PM  See this excellent multi-media exhibition on emigration housed in a forty foot container on Kennedy Pier, Cobh. Operated by Cobh Tourism. Great Island, Great Harbour, Great Ships, Great Puzzle (Sat & Sun) – Free – Cobh – Sat 9.30AM - 5PM, Sun 11AM – 5PM  A treasure hunt mingled with a word search puzzle that is fun and educational for all the family. The puzzle can be collected from the ticket desk in Cobh Heritage Centre. Organised by Cobh Tourism and Cobh Heritage Centre. Related links for this article  Download your copy of the full Open Weekend programme of events here. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=209

Countdown to the Open Weekend – Focus on Crosshaven & Camden Fort Meagher

Scenes from last years Open Day in Camden Fort Meagher

Camden Fort Meagher will be open on both days on this it’s final weekend for public admission in 2012. The fort will be open between 12 – 5PM and a small charge applies. Re-enactors across the ages will be on site offering weapon displays and battle re-enactments from the Celts, Romans right through World War 1 &2 with over 60 re-enactors on site. A fancy dress themed weekend with prizes for all different categories will be amplified by the arrival of the Cobh Animation Team on Sunday. Also on Sunday there will be a Flute & Guitar performance from the Cork School of Music. Admission: 12 & over - €4, Under 12 - €2, U4 – Free, Family of 2+3, U12 - €12 For those in need of refreshments on the Saturday, or on the lookout for local produce, there will be a Farmers Food and Craft Market in Crosshaven village between 10AM – 2PM. Finally, if you are taking part in the Irish Cruising Club South Region Annual End Of Season Raft-Up on the Saturday, there is a dinner in the RCYC once events have concluded. The raft-up should be a stunning spectacle from both the land and sea. The raft-up commences on Saturday at 1.30PM and last year it took place behind Great Island, but of course, it’s weather, wind and tide dependent! Related links for this article  For more information on Camden Download your copy of the full Open Weekend programme of events here. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=207

Countdown to the Open Weekend – Focus on Spike Island

See the 6" gun overlooking the entrance to Cork Harbour from Spike Island.

To celebrate Cork Harbour Open Weekend, Cork County Council is offering a family day out on Spike Island on both Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th. This is an opportunity to explore the historical fort, picnic in the grounds with the family and walk the recently completed 1.6km Walking Trail developed along the perimeter of Fort Mitchell with stunning views over Cork Harbour. The official opening of the trail takes place on Saturday at 3.30PM and will be performed in the presence of Simon Coveney, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & The Marine, and Cllr. Barbra Murray, Cork County Mayor. You will also get a chance to view the cell blocks and see the magnificent Gun Emplacement overlooking the wonderful entrance to Cork Harbour. Military exhibitions will also be on display. Enjoy the live music while the children are entertained by performers and face painters or have a coffee in the Coffee Shop. See below for a full entertainment line-up. Boats to Spike Island will leave Kennedy Pier, Cobh from 11.00am -4.00pm. Return trips from Spike Island back to Cobh will run until 6.00pm. Tickets for boats and entrance to the fort are priced at €5 per adult and €15 per family and will be available at the Marine Transport Kiosk, Kennedy Pier. If you would prefer to be shown around Spike by a guide, Spike Island Tours are offering half price tours to the island with ferries leaving from Kennedy Pier in Cobh at 1PM, 2PM and 4PM on Saturday, and 2PM and 3PM on Sunday. Tickets are available on Kennedy Pier, Cobh. Entertainment Saturday 15th September: 13.00 – 17.00 Face painting 13.00 – 17.00 Pirate Actress entertaining children 13.00 – 15.00 Balloon Modelling 13.00 – 1500 Ace Wild – Live Music 15.00 – 17.00 Puppeteering 15.00 – 1700 Cobh Blues Band (Please note times may be adjusted to suit visitor numbers)  Entertainment Sunday 16th September: : 13.00 – 17.00 Face painting 13.00 – 17.00 Pirate Actress entertaining children 13.00 – 15.00 Balloon Modelling 13.00 – 1500 Cookie – Live Music 15.00 – 17.00 Puppeteering 15.00 – 1700 Jericho – Live Music (Please note times may be adjusted to suit visitor numbers)  http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=208

Countdown to the Open Weekend - Focus on NMCI, Ringaskiddy

SkyTec Ireland Ltd, an IMERC partner company, will be demonstrating the use of it’s UAV mini copter in the NMCI

Focus on NMCI, Ringaskiddy Click here to download your copy of the Programme of Events with map  The National Maritime College of Ireland will open its doors to the public this Cork Harbour Open Weekend between 11AM -4PM on both days, and there will be plenty to see and do! Back again this year is the incredibly popular tour of the college. Particular favourites as always, are the visit to the NMCI’s Environmental Survival Pool and the Panoramic Bridge Simulator. Kids will love visiting these unique simulated environments. Each tour will commence with a brief film about the college and the tour takes about 40 minutes in total. Not that you’ll notice the time going by! SkyTec Ireland Ltd, an IMERC partner company, will be demonstrating the use of it’s UAV mini copter in the NMCI gym, or outside the NMCI if the weather permits, at 12PM, 1PM and 3PM on both Saturday & Sunday. These unmanned aerial vehicles are sure to impress. SkyTec Ireland recently acquired the Irish Aviation Authority's Aerial Work Permission to commence operations, and this demonstration will show the unique value of their work. SeaTech, another IMERC partner company, will display their marine IT skills by demonstrating a marine communications exercise linking the NMCI to Roches Point. This demo takes place on both Saturday and Sunday. Finally, the NMCI is offering visitors the chance to view the 12 finalists in the 8 Minutes: Ford Short Film Competition which saw entries from hundreds of film-makers, all producing eight minute films based on the theme ‘Titanic’. Screenings will run from 11AM -4PM on both days. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=205

Countdown to the Open Weekend - Focus on Cork City

The Irish Naval Service vessel, the LE Ciara will be open to the public on Saturday between 3PM – 6PM and on Sunday between 11AM – 4PM

Focus on Cork City Click here to download your copy of the Programme of Events with map  There’s plenty to do in Cork City this Cork Harbour Open Weekend. The highlight of the weekend will undoubtedly be the outdoor event taking place on Saturday, 15th September from 11am to 5pm in the Port of Cork and at Kennedy Quay, which will be closed to traffic for the day. The Voluntary & Emergency Services event will include activities on and off the water featuring an Air Corps abseiling demo, staged helicopter rescues from the Crosshaven lifeboat, an RTA mass casualty incident demo, Irish search dog display and a pipe welding display by Bord Gáis , the main sponsors of the event. The Irish Naval Service vessel, the LE Ciara will be open to the public on Saturday between 4PM – 6PM and on Sunday between 1PM – 3.30PM. This free tour is always extremely popular with kids. Finally, just outside the city, in the village of Blackrock, the Blackrock Castle Observatory will be presenting theatrical tours of the castle, bringing the 400 year history of the castle to life. Visitors will go on a behind the scenes tour up to the turret observatory and down to the dungeon, a National Monument. Tours take place at 1.30pm and 3.30pm each day. Adult €6; Concession (OAP/ Child 5-14yrs/ student) €4; Family (2+2) €16; Under 5s Free. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=206

Countdown to the Open Weekend – Free Lower Harbour Shuttle Ferry

Click below for a larger scale version of the timetable and map

This year Cork Harbour Open Weekend takes place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September. A great way to appreciate Cork Harbour is from the water and this coming weekend you have a chance to explore the lower harbour on the free shuttle ferry operating on both days between 12 and 3PM. The shuttle ferry, operated by ‘Whale of A Time’ and sponsored by the Port of Cork and Lend Lease at the NMCI, will run between the towns and villages involved in the Open Weekend. The harbour shuttle was hugely popular last year and was one of the highlights of 2011. This year the ferry is guaranteed to have the same impact. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=204

Entertainment on Spike Island for Cork Harbour Open Weekend

Ariel view of the magnificent fort on Spike Island.

Cork County Council is celebrating Cork Harbour Open Weekend by offering a family day out on Spike Island. This is an opportunity to explore the historical fort, picnic in the grounds with the family and walk the recently completed 1.6km Walking Trail developed along the perimeter of Fort Mitchell with stunning views over Cork Harbour. You will get a chance to view the cell blocks and see the magnificent Gun Emplacement overlooking the wonderful entrance to Cork Harbour. Military exhibitions will also be on display. Enjoy the live music while the children are entertained by performers and face painters or have a coffee in the Coffee Shop. See the programme of entertainment below. Boats to Spike Island will leave Kennedy Pier, Cobh from 11.00am -4.00pm. Return trips from Spike Island back to Cobh will run until 6.00pm. Tickets for boats and entrance to the fort are priced at €5 per adult and €15 per family and will be available at the Marine Transport Kiosk, Kennedy Pier. Entertainment Saturday 15th September: 13.00 – 17.00 Face painting 13.00 – 17.00 Pirate Actress entertaining children 13.00 – 15.00 Balloon Modelling 13.00 – 1500 Ace Wild – Live Music 15.00 – 17.00 Puppeteering 15.00 – 1700 Cobh Blues Band (Please note times may be adjusted to suit visitor numbers)  Entertainment Sunday 16th September: : 13.00 – 17.00 Face painting 13.00 – 17.00 Pirate Actress entertaining children 13.00 – 15.00 Balloon Modelling 13.00 – 1500 Cookie – Live Music 15.00 – 17.00 Puppeteering 15.00 – 1700 Jericho – Live Music (Please note times may be adjusted to suit visitor numbers) http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=202

Big Boy’s Toys To Roar At Kennedy Quay

Scenes from the World Rescue Challenge which took place at Custom House Quay during the Cork Harbour Open Day in 2010. The Voluntary and Emergency Services Weekend will once again see demonstrations from Ireland's emergency services personnel.

Final Preparations Made Ahead of Voluntary and Emergency Services Weekend Huge crowds are expected at Cork’s Kennedy Quay on Saturday, September 15th to see the land, sea and air display taking place as part of the largest ever Voluntary and Statutory Emergency Services Exhibition which runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 14th to 16th in Cork’s City Hall. Hundreds of voluntary and emergency services personnel are set to take part in the weekend. The aim of the event is to encourage young people to give their time to the Voluntary Emergency Services as part of a civic pride initiative and create an awareness of the vital role of the Emergency Services in our City and County. It has been organised by the Knocknaheeny Hollyhill, Garda Youth Diversion Project under the European Social Fund (ESF) in conjunction with the Garda Siochana at Gurranabraher and Cork City Council. Speaking at the launch at Knocknaheeny/Holyhill Special Justice Project, councillor Tony fitzgerald said, “Promoting the good and essential service of the Voluntary Emergency Services is especially important given the tragic events in Glandore earlier this year, as well as the recent flooding disasters across Cork City and County”. “We want to celebrate their hard work and dedication and encourage others to get involved in these essential services” he added. The highlight of the event will undoubtedly be the outdoor event taking place on Saturday, 15th September from 11am to 5pm in the Port of Cork and at Kennedy Quay which will be closed to traffic for the day. Activities on and off the water will include an Air Corps abseiling demo, staged helicopter rescues from the Crosshaven lifeboat, an RTA mass casualty incident demo, Irish search dog display and a pipe welding display by Bord Gáis , the main sponsors of the event. The activity on the water is going to a real testament to the services and will form part of a bumper weekend for Cork as it coincides with the Cork Harbour Open Weekend which will see lots of free family events taking place throughout the harbour on both the Saturday and Sunday. Each agency will have a display stand in Cork City Hall which will be open to the public free of charge throughout the weekend. Opening hours will be as follows, Friday 14th, 4pm-9pm, Sat 15th, 10am-6pm and Sunday 16th, 11am-4pm. The Exhibition will be officially opened on Friday evening at 6pm by Minister for Defence, Justice, Equality and Law Reform Mr Alan Shatter T.D. and large crowds are expected to attend over the three days. Participating Emergency Services include The Civil Defence, Army Reserve, Garda Siochana and Garda Reserve, Fire Service, Navy and Navy Reserve, Irish Coast Guard, The Lifeboat Service, HSE Ambulance Service, Defence Forces, Irish Air Corps, Knocknaheeny Justice Project, Irish Coast Guard, Academy of Emergency Care in Sports, National Office of Suicide Prevention, St. John’s Ambulance, The Order of Malta, Cork Area Water Safety and The Scouts. The project is supported by main sponsors Cork City Council and Bord Gáis, The Department of Justice Equality & Law Reform, under the European Social Fund (ESF), media sponsors Evening Echo, as well as Bus Eireann, FAS, the VEC and the HSE, Johnson and Johnson and the Port of Cork. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=201

Cobh Museum, 5 Euro Family Tickets on Saturdays in September

View of Cobh Museum (Scots Church) from the water.Photo from Cobh Museum Website.

For the month of September families can visit Cobh Museum for only 5 euro. This includes a quiz on their exhibitions for 5-12 year olds. This quiz helps the children to look more closely at the exhibits and learn a little more about life in Cobh (then called Queenstown) 100 years ago when the Titanic called. Current exhibitions include “TITANIC, Reflections and Reactions - Queenstown 1912“. This exhibition provides a view of what everyday life was like in Cobh, then Queenstown, set against the shocking news of the Titanic’s sinking only four days after leaving Cork Harbour. Cobh Museum is situated in Scots Church overlooking Cork Harbour and is a voluntary Museum run on a not-for-profit basis. Visit Cobh Museum online at the link below. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=200

Port of Livorno Pilots attend NMCI Simulation Training

Pilots from Port of Livorno at the NMCI, Ringaskiddy

The National Maritime College of Ireland was delighted to welcome pilots from Port of Livorno to the college on May 28th for a week. The pilots attended a Pilot Refresher Simulation course and Bridge Resource Management for Pilots in the NMCI's full mission 360 degree simulator. There was also an opportunity for the pilots to see some of the local sights Cork has to offer, including Cork Ports Ops office. The NMCI are certainly very much looking forward to many more visits from the pilots in the near future. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=197

Port of Cork Names New Pilot Boat “Fáilte”

Emer O Mahony helping to name the new pilot boat, Failte

On Thursday, 9 August the Port of Cork officially named a new pilot boat at the Port of Cork City Marina. Built by Safehaven Marine, “Failte” will be replacing the “Sonia” which was named after Sonia O’Sullivan and has served the Port gallantly for the past fourteen years. Dermot O’Mahoney, Chairman of the Port of Cork said “An Irish welcome is synonymous with the Port of Cork and reflects our attitude to all vessels that call to our harbour so it is fitting that we are christening our new pilot boat “Failte” today”. Captain Pat Farnan, Harbour Master and Deputy Chief Executive of the Port of Cork continued “Our pilots and launch crew provide a service that is second to none. Their skill and seamanship has seen some of the world’s largest vessels such as the “Queen Mary 2” and the “Independence of the Seas” navigated safely in and out of our Port and I have no doubt “Failte” will serve the Port well for many years to come. The launches are required to operate in all weather conditions, 365 days a year and must be built to a very high standard to make this possible.” Safehaven Marine is a local Cork based company, employing 25 staff in Little Island and Youghal. Since the company was founded in 2008, they have supplied pilot boats to countries across the globe from Scandinavia to the Middle East and are now one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of GRP pilot boat. Safehaven Marine, Managing Director Frank Kowalski commented “We are delighted to once again be supplying the Port of Cork’s new pilot vessel, “Failte” having also built their last new pilot boat, the “Gleann Mór” six years ago. It is extra special for us to be working with our local Port in delivering this vessel, which is a proud example of our high level design and engineering.” The pilot launches undertake in excess of 3,000 services per annum to vessels of all types including cruise ships and cargo vessels. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=196

Two triathlon events in Cork Harbour in August and September

Entries are now open for Cork Triathlon and the Crosshaven Challenge

There are two grueling events in Cork Harbour this summer for those who enjoy a physical challenge! The Cork Triathlon, Escape form Spike Island, takes place on 25th August and the 10th Crosshaven Challenge takes place on Saturday 1st September. Cork Triathlon - Escape from Spike Island, 25th August 2012 Entries are now open for Cork Triathlon – Escape from Spike Island. Save €10 with an Early bird entry. Sprint €45 (early bird €35) Olympic €52 (early bird€42) Olympic:1500m swim from Spike island into the heart of Cobh town, Cycle around the Great island on a 20km loop twice and finish with a 10km run on the sea front. Sprint: 750m swim, Cycle around the Great island on a 20km loop and finish with a 5km run on the sea front. To get an real flavour of the swim from Spike Island, see the following youTube video by Vanessa Daws.  The 10th Crosshaven Challenge The 10th Crosshaven Challenge will take place on Saturday 1st September 2012, starting at 5.00PM. The triathlon provides a grueling challenge including a 500-metre swim, a 10KM cycle and a 5KM run. Individual entry is €50. A team of three, where one member of the team competes in each of the three disciplines, can enter for €150. The money raised will be used to aid the development of community facilities in Crosshaven, and a day of fun and entertainment is guaranteed. See the links below for more information. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=193

What’s on in Cobh for the rest of 2012

There's plenty to do in Cobh throughout the year!!

For an excellent guide to what’s happening in the Cobh region check out the attached booklet, Cobh: What’s On & Where 2012- A guide to quality services, attractions and establishments in Cobh, East Cork & on Great Island. Still to come this year are major events like the Titanic 100 Cobh Peoples Regatta (17th-19th August), 46th International Sea Angling Festival (3rd-7th September), and the Cobh Blues Experience (21st-23rd September). Plenty to do in Cobh throughout the year!! http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=194

NMCI Sponsors Sailors On The Tall Ships Races 2012 to Dublin

© Maxwell Photography 2012. Photo includes; Mary Weir, Dublin City Council, Grainne Lynch, National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), Orla Kelly, Tall Ships Trainee sponsored by NMCI, Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Clare Byrne, Ryan Hawes, Tall Ships Trainee sponsored by NMCI, Kalanne O'Leary, Chair of Trainee Recruitment Group Tall Ships 2012 & Michael Byrne, Sail Training Ireland.

The National Maritime College of Ireland is enabling two lucky people to join The Tall Ships Races 2012 on 12th August in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain and sail all the way to Dublin. This support, enabled by the Maritime Learning Network 'MarLeaNet', an EU project – a network of maritime training centres in Portugal, Spain, France and Ireland, was announced today at the Mansion House in Dublin. Launched by Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Clare Byrne, The Tall Ships Races 2012 - Dublin trainee programme enables over 50 Irish 18-25 year old trainees to experience life and work on board 6 magnificent Tall Ships. The first trainee, Ryan Hawes turns 23 later this week and will join the ship Kapitan Borchardt, a Polish vessel just under 34m in length and built in 1918. Our second trainee, 18-year-old Patrol Leader and Watch Leader in Dollymount Sea Scouts, Orla Kelly, will join the Johanna Lucretia, a 27m vessel with a UK flag. The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), located in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, in the second largest natural harbour in the world. A constituent college of Cork Institute of Technology, the NMCI is a state of the art facility that provides training and education for the Merchant Marine and the Irish Naval Service. “The NMCI provides training to the seafarers of tomorrow in its specialist facility, which includes survival training facilities, fire fighting / damage control training, confined space training, jetty and lifeboat facilities”, says Grainne Lynch, Project Manager of the MarLeaNet project in the NMCI. “The MarLeaNet project allows the NMCI to work with other training centres all along the route of the Tall Ships Race in, France, Portugal and Spain.” The NMCI also provides specialist simulation equipment for teaching navigation, communications, engineering-machinery operations and vessel traffic systems. Lynch adds, “The Tall Ships Races 2012 - Dublin give trainees a fantastic opportunity to experience life at sea and to be part of a team for a unforgettable experience. For those that relish the challenge of the sea and want to turn it into a career, there is only one place to go – to the National Maritime College of Ireland.” Do come to the National Maritime College of Ireland Open Day on Tuesday 23 October 2012, 10.00am - 3.00pm. For Group Bookings contact +353 21 4970607 or visit the NMCI website linked below. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=195

Cork Harbour company has secured permission from the IAA to fly UAV’s

SkyTech Ireland provide a cost-effective solution to capturing aerial images.

SkyTec Ireland, a new company operating in Cork Harbour, have secured the Irish Aviation Authority's Aerial Work Permission to commence commercial operations. This permission from the IAA is an essential requirement for any operator of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Irish Airspace who wants to operate commercially, or for anyone who wants to put a camera into the sky for whatever reason. SkyTec Ireland’s unmanned aircraft will be deployed initially in a photographical mode creating 3D images of well known landmarks to demonstrate the superior imagery obtained from their own image processing system. They are also actively looking into the Media/Advertising usage as this use of the technology is fast becoming established as the most cost-effective way of obtaining video imagery. SkyTec Ireland is based in the NMCI in Ringaskiddy as part of the IMERC campus. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=192

Ground Zero Exhibition at Camden Fort Meagher by photographer Nicola McClean

Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Tim Lombard opens the Ground Zero 360 Exhibition at Camden Fort Meagher which will be open at weekends until September with (from left) Paul Brierlye, Chairman Rescue Camden, Paul McClean, NYPD, Nicola McClean whose photographs are exhibited and Martin Riordan, County Manager.

Irish photographer Nicola McClean has brought her stunning collection of images taken in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks in New York City in 2001 to the Cork public via an exhibition in Camden Fort Meagher. In the days following the attacks, McClean captured the confusion and panic in the city and her pictures, along with chilling audio clips and a unique panoramic installation, evoke what New Yorkers were feeling in the days that followed the attacks. Ground Zero 360 allows one to experience the enduring events of September 11th and celebrate the heroic men and women of the New York City Emergency Services. The exhibition is made even more special and poignant given the unique location of Camden Fort Meagher which combines military heritage with wonderful ocean vistas. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=191

Cork Harbour Open Day 2012 - ‘Call for Events’

Scenes on the promenade in Cobh during the 2011 Cork Harbour Open Day

We are delighted to announce that due to popular demand, Cork Harbour Open Day has been extended to a two day event for 2012 and will take place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September. Aimed at embracing everything that Cork Harbour has to offer, Cork Harbour Open Day seeks to raise awareness of the different activities and events available for families in the harbour both on and off the water. If you would like to be involved in Cork Harbour Open Day or organise an event on the day, please contact Sinead Kavanagh at harbourevents@corkharbour.ie or 021-4625375. All events or special offers for the weekend, no matter how big or small are welcome. Events organised will be promoted on the lead up to the day via PR, social media and the website www.corkharbour.ie. This approach proved very successful over the last number of years. Please see event application attached and get involved!!. The idea for a Harbour Open Day emerged from discussions between various stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the Integrated Strategy for the Harbour. A group comprising representatives from UCC, City and County Councils and the Port of Cork set about working together to engage users of the Harbour and to organise the Open Day. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=190

Cork Week 2012, 7th-13th July

© Photo from Cork Week website

Cork Week 2012 is now in full swing. With10 high-octane races spread over 5 days with free event-related marina berthing and 7-day entertainment, Cork Week is an event not too be missed for sailors and land-lubbers alike. Crosshaven village has pulled out all the stops this year and there is plenty of off-the-water family entertainment including extra opening hours for Camden Fort Meagher. For live race updates see the Cork week website or follow all the action via Twitter @corkweektweet http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=189

IMERC signs MOU with US Research Centre

Present at the signing were Dr. Ray Alcorn, HMRC, University College Cork, Dr. Valerie Cummins, IMERC, Cpt. Hugh Tully, Irish Naval Service, Governor Christine Gregoire, Washington State, Prof. Patrick Fitzpatrick, University College Cork, Mr. Peter Corcoran, OpenHydro Ltd., Lt. Nimah Ni Fhatharta, Irish Naval Service and Mr. Peter Coyle, Chairman IMERC

The Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Centre (IMERC) and the US Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Research Center (NNMREC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on research collaboration on marine renewable energy. Governor Christine Gregoire, Governor of Washington State, witnessed and signed the agreement with the IMERC Director, Dr. Valerie Cummins, and the NNMREC Director, Prof. Brian Polangye. The agreement came about following a recent visit by Dr. Cummins to the U.S. where she spent two months developing business and research opportunities in the area of marine renewables. During her visit, which was part of a prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship, she met with Prof. Polangye and his colleagues in Washington State. Their discussions revealed shared interests between IMERC and NNMREC in research areas such as marine acoustics and hydrodynamic modelling in support of marine renewable energy. Marine renewable energy encompasses wave, tidal and offshore wind energy. Ireland’s location at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the location of Washington and Oregon States on the Pacific Ocean provide access to premier wind, wave and tidal resources in Europe and America respectively. The harnessing of marine renewables in these jurisdictions provides an opportunity to meet energy demands in a way that is economically viable, environmentally benign, and socially acceptable. This is a global challenge and international collaboration is essential to accelerating marine renewable energy along the development pathway. Researchers at IMERC and NNMREC have developed core competencies in technical, environmental, economic, and social aspects of marine renewable energy development. With both clusters closely engaged in demonstration-scale projects in their respective countries, the coming years will see an unprecedented opportunity for sharing of information and methods between researchers on both sides of the Atlantic. Governor Gregoire is leading a trade delegation to Ireland and the U.K. with marine renewables as a key theme. She observed that the co-operation will stimulate increased potential for technological advancement and investment in the sector, which is of significant importance for Washington and Oregon States because of their geographical location and natural ocean energy resources. IMERC is a tripartite alliance between University College Cork (UCC), Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and the Irish Naval Service (INS). NNMREC is a partnership between Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of Washington (UW). According to Mr. Peter Coyle, Chairman of IMERC, both clusters have a unique range of capabilities and facilities to support marine renewable energy development. The areas of co-operation within the MOU include the exchange of data of mutual interest, mobility of researchers, students and scholars, and joint research, lectures and symposia. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=188

Camden Fort Meagher open for the summer

© Photo from Rescue Camden website/ Joleen Cronin

Camden Fort Meagher is now open each and every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5PM right through until Sunday September 16th. The fort will also be open during Cork Week, 9th-13th of July, between 1PM and 3.30. Keep up to date with all the official news from Rescue Camden on the Facebook page, or visit the Rescue Camden website. http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=187

IMERC becomes the first Maritime Project ever to win An Taoiseach’s Public Service Excellence Award

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny presents the 2012 Taoiseach’s Public Service Excellence Award to Lt Niamh Ní Fhátharta, IMERC Navy Strategic Co-ordinator, June 2012

On 21st June 2012 in Dublin Castle, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced the 2012 winners of An Taoiseach’s Public Service Excellence Awards. A maritime project has been selected from 190 applications, to receive acknowledgement for its success and impact. This is the first time a maritime project has featured on the awards list since the awards were initiated in 2004. This year IMERC (the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster) is among 20 projects that have been singled out for demonstrating innovation and excellence across the full breadth of State services. The award to IMERC emphasises the sea change underway in Ireland concerning an awareness of the value and economic potential of Ireland’s marine resources. IMERC is a unique tripartite alliance between the Irish Naval Service (INS), University College Cork (UCC) and the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT). It seeks to harness and integrate public sector and industry expertise to develop the Cluster and to realise the potential of emerging economic sectors, including the nascent ocean energy sector. IMERC is being recognised by An Taoiseach as a unique example of joined-up-thinking across three public sector institutions, the results of which, have leveraged major capital investment, succeeded in attracting inward investment, supported indigenous industry and enhanced capacity for research and innovation in Ireland’s maritime sector. Dr. Valerie Cummins, IMERC Director, who accepted the award on behalf of UCC, CIT and INS stated that the award is an acknowledgement of the hard work, leadership and talent of the researchers, naval service personnel, trainers, educators, agency and industry stakeholders in IMERC. She also acknowledged the progress underway in government departments including marine, energy, defence, education and enterprise, in framing the policy environment to encouarge further maritime innovation and job creation. The extended maritime campus under development in Ringaskiddy Cork Habour, builds on the infrastructure already in place with the National Maritime College of Ireland and the Irish Naval Service Headquarters and Dockyard. IMERC is addressing this by building on existing government investment to develop a research and commercial location of world standing. University College Cork is constructing the Beaufort Laboratory on an adjacent site. Upon completion in Autumn 2013, this will be the world’s largest marine renewable energy research facility, supporting a trajectory of growth in development of a sector that could yield up to 52,000 jobs from wave energy for Ireland by 2030. Industry suites will be incorporated for the growing number of commercial enterprises attracted to the location,and the spin out companies that are beginning to emerge. According to Dr. Cummins, “the clustering of of IMERCs component infrastructure in one of the world largest natural harbours represents an awakening by Irelands maritime community to its natural home.” http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=186

Following 2011’s successful Cork Harbour Summer School, Meitheal Mara is repeating the event this year

Following 2011’s successful Cork Harbour Summer School, Meitheal Mara is repeating the event this year in a similar format, at the same venue; the Port of Cork board-room, on Friday June 8th. 

The theme of the Summer School is ‘Cork Harbour, ‘Looking Out – Looking In’: the ‘Looking Out’ theme will deal with Cork Harbour’s significance in the past and present; the ‘Looking In’ theme will deal with topics covering the increasing use of every part of the harbour by a variety of users. Many of the presentations will be inclusive of both aspects. 

The Summer School will be opened by Dr. Valerie Cummins of IMERC and sessions will be chaired by Capt. Pat Farnan, Harbour-master, Port of Cork and Mary McCarthy of the Sculpture Factory. Among the speakers are the Crawford Gallery’s Peter Murray on the maritime art of Cork Harbour, Damien O’Mahony of TEAM, Cork City Council, UCC Archaeologist Colin Rynne, Eddie English on the harbour as a cruising ground and Architect David Flannery on the vision for Spike Island. 

The Summer School is one of the events promoted by Meitheal Mara with the object of building awareness the harbour, by showing the people of Cork city and county what a marvelous and magical place it is, by promoting a view of it as an organic whole and finally by getting people on the water in events like the Ocean to City Race, the Cork Harbour Raid and the Spike Island Picnic. 

For Information: 
Contact Marina Sheehan, Meitheal Mara, 021 4847673 or marina@oceantocity.com 


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