EU Funding Endorses Port of Cork Plans for Development

The proposed developments are the first phase of the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan Review (2010)

Following a successful funding procedure, the Port of Cork has been awarded funding by the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The Port of Cork, described as a future Core Network port by TEN-T, plays a key strategic role in the movement of goods to and from the UK and Continental Europe. This funding will assist in ensuring the Port of Cork meets future connectivity needs and will support the development of the wider regional and national economy which is of key importance to Cork. It is anticipated that in the first quarter of 2014 and following public consultation, the Port of Cork will lodge a planning application to An Bord Pleanala for the future development of port facilities in Ringaskiddy. The proposed developments are the first phase of the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan Review (2010), the core principles of which were endorsed in the National Ports Policy launched in 2013. This Policy also identified the continued commercial development of the Port of Cork Company as a key strategic objective. Speaking about the proposed developments and the recently secured funding, Mr Denis Healy, Manager Engineering Services, Port of Cork said: “This TEN-T funding endorses the Port of Cork’s plans for future development and securing connectivity for the region. The general objective of the TEN-T is to modernise transport infrastructure and this objective sits in line with the Port of Cork’s need to improve and ensure future port facilities.” He continued: “The funding will go towards the achievement of the required statutory consents and the preparation of designs for developments, primarily at Ringaskiddy, but also at Marino Point and Tivoli. It also opens up the opportunity for further EU supports for the implementation phase of the project under the new Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).” The Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency (TEN-T EA), established by the European Commission, is responsible for managing the technical and financial implementation of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) programme, one of the most important means of infrastructure funding. Its mission is to support the European Commission and TEN-T project managers and promoters, by ensuring the technical and financial management of the projects and the successful implementation of the TEN-T Programme. Related links for this article  Port of Cork website

Port of Cork Company Appoint New Harbour Master

Captain Paul O’Regan, Harbour Master, Port Operations Manager and Superintendent of Pilots of the Port of Cork

The Port of Cork Company have announced the appointment of Captain Paul O’Regan as Harbour Master, Port Operations Manager and Superintendent of Pilots of the Port of Cork. Captain O’Regan will assume the position immediately. Commenting on this Board appointment, Mr Brendan Keating, Chief Executive said: “We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Paul O’Regan as Harbour Master & Port Operations Manager in the Port of Cork Company. Paul has worked with the company for eight years and during that time he has gained considerable experience and a great understanding of the port business and he has shown excellent leadership qualities. I am confident he will be a great asset to the company in the years ahead.” Captain Paul O’Regan joined the Port of Cork in 2005 as a Pilot and then progressed to Deputy Harbour Master in 2008. Prior to this, Paul worked with a number of overseas and Irish companies. Speaking about his appointment, Captain O’Regan said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Harbour Master and Port Operations Manager in the Port of Cork and look forward to working with my colleagues, customers and all stakeholders within the Harbour. It is an exciting time in the Port of Cork Company with its ambitious plans for the development of the port. These plans will consolidate Cork as a key seaport enabling the port to strengthen its position in global trade.” Captain Paul O’Regan takes over as Port of Cork Harbour Master from Captain Pat Farnan, who retired in January 2013. The Port of Cork offers all six shipping modes such as; Lift on, Lift off, Roll on Roll off, Break bulk, liquid bulk, dry bulk and cruise and is Ireland’s second busiest port. Related links for this article  Port Of Cork website

Over €50 Million of New Funding Secured for Cork Harbour in 2013

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD, turning the sod on the site of UCC's new Beaufort Laboratory in July 2013 on the IMERC Campus, Ringaskiddy

It has been a good news year for Cork Harbour in 2013. Over €50 million of new funding has been awarded to many exciting projects around the harbour, and the benefits should be felt around the entire region over the next few years. Added to this is the €40m funding secured last year for the cleanup of the East Tip on Haulbowline Island, and the €30 million Lower Harbour Energy Groups investment in wind turbines. Here is a breakdown of how much of that funding is to be spent. Beaufort Research and MAREI project – €44.2m Construction is to begin on the new €15.2 million Beaufort Research Laboratory in Ringaskiddy in the coming weeks. This is to be UCC’s footprint on the IMERC Campus, and the laboratory will house the National Ocean Test Facility and more than 100 researchers when completed in 2015. The building will stand adjacent to the NMCI in Ringaskiddy and will help position Ireland at the forefront of global maritime and energy research for academia and industry. The construction phase of the project will see the creation of a further 200 jobs and is expected to take 12 months. As the sod was being turned on the site of the new laboratory, Beaufort Research received a major boost when the €29million MAREI project, which will be lead by the centre, received funding through Science Foundation Ireland earlier this year. MAREI will be part of the largest ever state/industry co-funded research investment in Ireland, and will accelerate the development of the marine renewable energy sector in Ireland. This will give Ireland's maritime economy a huge boost and will be a great start for Beaufort Research. The project aims to stimulate 2,000 jobs by 2020, attract new foreign direct investment, and spawn new start up companies. Infrastructure Investment by the Port of Cork - €3m  In July, the Port of Cork announced an investment of €3 million in new plant equipment following an agreement with crane manufacturer, Liebherr. The investment includes a new LHM 550 Harbour Mobile Crane, which will be in operation at Ringaskiddy Deep-water Berth. Spike Island Tourism Development - €4m In 2013, Fáilte Ireland sanctioned funding of €2.5m for the Spike Island tourism project, which will help deliver on the potential of the island as a major tourist destination. Cork County Council are to add a further €1.5m. A recent report on Spike suggested that 300,000 visitors could be attracted to the island once some key infrastructure is in place. Phase 1 of the recently compiled master plan for the island can now proceed which will deliver key infrastructure such as an interpretive centre in Fort Mitchell. The master plan, compiled by a team of experts, led by Scott Tallon Walker and destination specialists, CHL Consulting, details 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. IMERC Master Plan - €1.3m €1.3m was secured in the recent budget to support the IMERC master plan, which aims to develop an expanded campus in Ringaskiddy, adding to National Maritime College, Beaufort Research Laboratory and Naval Service infrastructure. IMERC promotes Ireland as a world-renowned research and development location and aims to harness and integrate diverse research and industry expertise. New Wind Turbines for Cork Harbour - €30 million  Construction has also began on the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group’s wind turbines in the Ringaskiddy area. Three turbines are due to be fully built and operational by May 2014. The total investment in the harbour area over the course of this project is around €30 million with each of the 6 planned turbines generating between 2 and 3 MW of power. East Tip Remediation - €40m Following extensive public consultation a year ago, the proposed cleanup and remediation of the former ISPAT site on Haulbowline, also known as the East Tip, is progressing. Cork County Council , who are leading the €40m cleanup project, submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála in October seeking permission to remediate the East Tip and transform it into a public recreational amenity. Waste licence applications have also been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency. This project received the green light in January 2012 when Simon Coveney TD secured funding from the cabinet to finally address the issue of the former Irish Steel site. Related links for this article  Beaufort Research website Haulbowline Remediation Updates

The National 18, a 75 year history

The public are cordially invited to the launch of Brian Wolfe's book on 11th December.

Brian Wolfe’s new book documenting the 75 year history of the National 18-foot dinghy will be launched on Wednesday 11th December at 7.30PM at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven, Co. Cork. This book is an essential in any sailors, boat restorers or builders library and details all of the championships and sailors who were and are, involved with the class along its great history. The book will be launched by Tom Mac Sweeney, Eithne Payne and Brian Wolfe at a reception in the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Related links for this article  More Information from RCYC

Publication of the Draft Cork County Development Plan 2013

The draft development plan public consultation period is an opportunity for the people of Cork to shape the future development of the County

Cork County Council have published the Draft Cork County Development Plan, 2013 for Public Consultation. The Draft Plan will be available to the public from Monday 9th December 2013 to Wednesday 26th February 2014. The Mayor (Councillor Noel O’Connor) stated – “The draft development plan public consultation period is an opportunity for the people of Cork to shape the future development of the County and this is particularly important as the County recovers from recession. The Draft County Development Plan sets out the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County. This Draft plan is proposing significant changes to existing planning policy in order to, accelerate growth in Metropolitan Cork, encourage housing development on zoned land, manage pressure for rural housing in outer areas, identify key road and water services infrastructure required to deliver the plans targets and develop a sustainable energy policy for the County”. The County Manager (Martin Riordan) stated – “The Draft County Development Plan is a very important document in establishing a sustainable platform for the recovery and future growth of the County. I would encourage members of the public to read this document, get involved in the process, and make their views known either through an online submission on the County Council’s website www.corkcoco.ie or by writing in to us. For the first time the Draft County Development Plan Maps can be read and downloaded online through the County Development Plan Map browser. We will also be holding three public consultation events around the County in January where persons will be able to engage with staff and discuss their issues”. The public consultation period for the Draft County Development Plan commences on Monday the 9th December and submissions can be made until 4pm on Wednesday 26th February 2014. Persons are advised to check the www.corkcoco.ie website, Cork County Council social media sources and local press for more details. What Documents make up the Draft Plan The Draft County Development Plan is a 4 Volume Plan set out as follows: • Volume 1: Main Policy Material. • Volume 2: Heritage and Amenity. • Volume 3: Environment and Natura Impact Reports. • Volume 4: Detailed Maps. Volumes 1 to 4 of the Draft Plan are available online for inspection and download from the County Council’s website www.corkcoco.ie. Volumes 1, 2 and 3 are available on CD at no charge. The CD also contains the Revised Draft Joint Housing Strategy and the Revised Draft Metropolitan Cork Joint Retail Strategy. Volume 1 including the CD is available to purchase for 20 at the Planning Departments Public Counter, Floor 1, County Hall, Cork. Where can you view the documents  Volume 1 of the Draft Plan (hard copy or electronic format) together with Volumes 2, 3 and 4 in electronic format only may be inspected (each day excluding weekends and public holidays) from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. from Monday 9th December, 2013 to Wednesday 26th February, 2014 at the following locations: 1. Planning Department, Floor 1, County Hall, Cork. 2. Planning Department, Norton House, Skibbereen, Co. Cork. 3. Cork County Council Divisional Office Annabella, Mallow. 4. County Library and Branch Libraries (Please check with your local library regarding opening times and availability of PCs for accessing electronic format). 5. Online at www.corkcoco.ie at all times. If you have any queries with regard to the policy content of the documents arising from viewing them at the above locations, please contact the Cork County Council Planning Policy Unit at 021-4285900.  Public Consultation Events We will be holding three public consultation events around the county, where staff will be available to explain the content in the Draft County Development Plan. Date Location, Venue & Time 21st January Cork, County Hall (4pm to 8pm). 23rd January Clonakilty, Quality Hotel (4pm to 8pm). 28th January Mallow, Hibernian Hotel (4pm to 8pm). How do you make a Submission Submissions can be made from Monday 9th December 2013 to Wednesday 26th February 2014. Please make your submission by one medium only, either electronic or hard copy; 1. By making an on-line submission, through the Council Web-site at www.corkcoco.ie and follow the instructions provided: or 2. By making a written submission and addressing it to: Senior Planner Planning Policy Unit Floor 13 County Hall Cork The deadline for receipt of all submissions is 4pm on Wednesday 26th February 2014. For legal reasons we cannot accept submissions for this draft plan stage outside these dates and times. Cork County Council cannot accept e-mail submissions. All submissions will be considered by the Council prior to the adoption of the new Cork County Development Plan. It is important that you include your name and address when you send us your views. Related links for this article  Copy of Draft Cork County Development Plan Information leaflet attached for your information

New Wind Turbine Project Takes Shape in Cork Harbour

A view of one of the wind turbines as it rises out of the ground overlooking Cork Harbour. Picture from SkyTec Ireland

An ambitious project to develop four wind turbines by the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group (CLHEG) is beginning to take shape. Works on the CLHEG wind turbine project began in September and it is expected that the turbines at DePuy, GSK and Janssen Biologics will be fully installed and operational by May 1st, 2014. It is expected that consumption of electricity from fossil-fuel based generation will be reduced by up to 30%, eliminating approximately 22,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum, delivering significantly improved environmental as well as financial performance. Earlier this year, Novartis Ringaskiddy decided to place the development of its wind turbine on hold due to the prioritisation of other projects at the site. Novartis continues to be an active member of the CLHEG and the Community Gain initiative. SkyTec Ireland have recently tweeted some images from one of the sites. See the link below. Related links for this article  Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group website SkyTec Ireland Twitter

Port of Cork’s Schools Initiative Looks At Cork’s Trade Connections To World Markets

Previous winners of the school’s initiative, Glasheen Boys National School, on board the MV Independence of the Seas. Picture: Port Of Cork

Calling all 5th Class Teachers – Win a Free Boat Trip around Cork Harbour for your class The Port of Cork has launched their Schools Initiative for 2014 and is encouraging all 5th class primary school teachers to get their class involved. This year’s theme ‘Shipping Containers – Cork’s Connection to World Markets’ focuses on the importance of trade between Cork and the World and the important use of shipping containers for importing and exporting cargo. The Port of Cork Schools Initiative aims to educate 5th class primary school children about the rich history associated with Cork Harbour and to highlight the importance of having a local port to facilitate the imports and exports of trade. The initiative also gives children a better understanding of where cargo comes from and how Ireland, as an island depends on Ports for trading. All participating 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative will be treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour, compliments of the Port of Cork and each class will also receive a certificate of participation. The overall ‘best project’ will receive a tour on board one of the many large cruise liners visiting Cork during the summer of 2014. In addition to this, an award will also be given for ‘best artwork piece’. Speaking about the 2014 theme, Port of Cork Chief Executive Brendan Keating said: “We are thrilled to be launching our ninth Schools Initiative which has gone from strength to strength each year. The theme this year will hopefully encourage school children to study the Port of Cork and our trade connections with world markets and to learn about imports and exports of cargo particularly through shipping containers. As well as our trade links, the school children will learn about the history of the Port of Cork and Cork Harbour.” He continued: “Every year we have up to twenty schools participating and we hope this year we will have the same or more. This is an educational initiative open to primary schools in the Cork City and Harbour area.” Projects are to be presented in artwork format using painting and models. All submitted projects will go on public display in Customs House before the winner is announced in May 2014. Closing date for entries is Friday 11th April 2014. For more information on this year’s schools initiative or to arrange a visit by the Port of Cork to your school, please contact Sara Mackeown, Commercial Dept. Port of Cork Email smackeown@portofcork.ie or call 021 4625375. Related links for this article  Port Of Cork website