Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Cork Harbour – Energising the Region Conference- Friday 12th December


 
Energy Cork and IMERC are hosting a one-day conference under the heading ‘Cork Harbour – Energising the Region’. It plans to be a major conference on the role of Cork Harbour in the Region and, in particular, it’s crucial role in national energy supply and innovation.

The conference will take place at the National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy from 0830 – 1330 on Friday 12th December 2014.

The event is free to attend but registration is essential. Follow the links below for more information.

From the historic legacy of a trading centre to today’s modern port, Cork Harbour is a world- class model of how industry, energy, tourism and leisure can not only exist in harmony together, but thrive in their co-existence through vision, collaboration and community.

Cork’s port is a national natural energy resource, public amenity and major tourism attraction. The special harmony that exists in Cork Harbour between energy, traditional and renewable, domestic and international tourism, and world class engineering, technology and life sciences industry is unique around the globe and sets Cork apart in its leadership.

Related links for this article

Link to Energy Cork webpage for this conference

Brochure and full programme

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Free Tide App for Cork Harbour

 

App development company Apptoonz has released a free tide app for mobile phones. The app is free and shows tide data and sunrise/sunset times for Cobh. Conor O’Nolan who created the app said “This app is suitable for all harbour users and allows you to see the tide for any future date in 2015. It’s simple and requires no data connection.”

The app is already available and will run on iPhones and Android phones. It’s part of a series which includes Dublin and Waterford tide apps. “With the Cork 2015 tide app, anglers, kayakers and beach walkers will have all the information they need to plan trips.” said the Dunmore East based developer.

The app is free, and there are no additional purchases. Search in your app store for Cork 2015 or click the apptoonz web link below.

Related links for this article

Apptoonz Tides Apps website

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Charity Christmas Concert on Spike Island – 7th December

 

There will be a special Christmas charity concert on Spike Island on 7th December with music by The Courtyard Choir & Guests (Musical Director – Ger Gunn)

Tickets are €10 with all proceeds going to Cobh Hospital and St. Vincent de Paul, Cobh, Coal Fund

The ticket price includes return ferry and complimentary light refreshments served in the Spike Island Coffee Shop after the performance.

Ferry departs Kennedy Pier, Cobh at 1.30 & 2.00 p.m. Return Ferry from Spike Island 5.30 & 6.00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale from Murphy’s Centra, West Beach, Cobh and Cork County Council, Carrig House, Cobh.

Regrettably this event is not wheelchair accessible. Access to the venue is by a flight of steep steps

Kindly Sponsored By:
Murphy’s Centra, Cobh,
Marine Transport Services
Cork County Council

Friday, February 14, 2014

March League at the RCYC



This league will provide ideal preparation for the April leagues in Crosshaven and Kinsale
The Royal Cork in conjunction with sponsors Crosshaven Boatyard, are introducing a March League for all racing keelboats, whitesail and 1720 sport boats.

The March League will consist of 4 races on Sunday 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd March 2014. First gun at 11.55.

Notice of Race and Entry Forms are available on the Royal Cork Yacht Club website.

This league will provide ideal preparation for the April leagues in Crosshaven and Kinsale and is well timed to enable skippers to shake out the sails after the winter lay-up.

Sailing won’t be the only activity as the RCYC clubhouse promises to be a hub of social activity after each race.

Related links for this article 

Read more on the RCYC website 

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Cobh Trad Sail February Lecture Series at the Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh



Cobh Trad Sail
The Cobh Trad Sail lecture series kicks off on Thursday 13th February at 8pm. The first lecture has the intriguing title of ‘Pirates of Cork Harbour’.

Later in the month there will be two other lectures. ‘My Days on Asgard II’ with Tom McCarthy, and ‘Sailing the Caribbean on the Spirit of Oyster Haven’ with Oliver Harte.

Tickets are €5 - For more information and tickets contact Cobh Trad Sail.

info@cobhtradsail.ie or visit their website linked below

Related links for this article 

Cobh Trad Sail Website

Sirius Arts Centre Website

Friday, January 31, 2014

Public Consultation on Proposed Ringaskiddy Redevelopment



The proposed developments under consideration are an extension to the existing Port of Cork facilities at Ringaskiddy
Port of Cork Company will hold a public consultation on the proposed plans for port redevelopment in Ringaskiddy from the 6th- 8th February 2014, at the following locations. This is a follow up to the initial series of public consultations held last April.

Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh
• Thursday 6th February 2014 from 3-8pm

National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy
• Friday 7th February 3-8pm
• Saturday 8th February 10am – 2pm

The aim of this public consultation is to update stakeholders around Cork Harbour on the Port’s future plans, and to allow for feedback and concerns to be raised.

In order to continue to cater for future growth within the Port of Cork and to provide efficient and cost effective port services for Munster businesses, the Port intends on lodging a planning application with An Bord Pleanala in April 2014.

The proposed developments under consideration are an extension to the existing Port of Cork facilities at Ringaskiddy and will comprise of the following four elements:
• A container terminal and multi-purpose berth to the east side of Ringaskiddy Basin;
• An extension to the existing Deep-water berth on the west side of Ringaskiddy Basin;
• At Paddy’s Point, where a new public slipway is being constructed, new planting and landscaping is being provided in a new public amenity area and new pedestrian circulation routes will be introduced;
• Improvements to the existing road entrance at the Ringaskiddy Deep-water Terminal and internal road upgrades to improve connectivity to the remainder of the port complex and facilitate future connection to a new upgraded N28 both east and west of Ringaskiddy Village.

Should you require further information on the proposed plans, please contact Sara Mackeown in the Port Of Cork.

Proposed drawings will also be on display in Custom House over the next few weeks and are currently on the Port Of Cork website www.portofcork.ie

Related links for this article 

View current drawing for Proposed Ringaskdiddy Redevelopment Proposed Ringaskiddy Redevelopment (PDF Doc)

Port Of Cork website

Cobh to remember Great War



A Journey of Remembrance 2014-2018
‘A Journey of Remembrance’ 2014-2018 will launch in Cobh on Saturday 8th February. It is a Cork Centenary Project to honour Irishmen and women who fought in World War 1 1914 -1918.

On Saturday, 8th February in the Commodore Hotel, Cobh a special tribute will be made to those from the Cobh and Lower Harbour area who died in the war.

Everyone is welcome to attend and a special invitation is extended to anyone with memorabilia or stories of family and friends who fought in the Great War.

An Exhibition will be held from 10 am – 5pm with a formal opening and lecture at 12 noon.

At 3 pm there will be a short talk on the ‘Christmas of 1914’

Similar exhibitions and seminars will be held in the Cork and County area over the next four months.

The Cork Journey of Remembrance Project Group is assisted in Cobh by the Great Island Historical Society, Cork Harbour Islands Project (CHIP) and Cobh Museum.

Related links for this article 

More info from the Visit Cobh website 

Friday, January 17, 2014

Port Of Cork Trade Traffic Shows Increase In 2013



Container volumes through Tivoli Container Terminal were up compared to 2012 figures.
End of Year (2013) Statement from John Mullins, Chairman of the Port of Cork Company

Total traffic through the Port of Cork in 2013 reached 9.1 million tonnes compared to 9.05 million tonnes in 2012. Like most Ports worldwide, the Port of Cork has experienced very challenging trading conditions in 2013, however some cargos have shown an increase compared to 2012 levels and this is very encouraging, according to the Port of Cork.

Container volumes through Tivoli Container Terminal were up compared to 2012 figures, and Ringaskiddy Container Terminal showed an increase in both imports and exports. This increase in Ringaskiddy is predominantly down to Fyffe’s banana trade handled under contract with Maersk Line, which was established in 2012. This service, the first scheduled deep sea transatlantic service from Central America to Ireland, has opened up trading and logistic opportunities for many of Ireland’s imports and exports to the Caribbean.

Oil traffic through Whitegate Oil Refinery, currently owned and operated by Phillips 66 continues to have a significant impact on the overall traffic through the Port of Cork. Imports are showing similar levels to 2012 while exports are marginally down.

Non-oil traffic has seen an increase of over 5.9% in imports of animal feed, cereal and fertiliser.

Speaking about the end of year trade traffic results, Chairman John Mullins said: “Despite challenging trading conditions worldwide, the Port of Cork saw increases in certain trades in 2013. These increases, while marginal, are encouraging and show the emergence of the economy as Ireland slowly begins to recover. Ports play a vital part in this recovery and the Port of Cork is a vital trading link to the success of Ireland and in particular the Munster region.”

He continued: “The Port of Cork has achievable plans for 2014 in terms of future port infrastructure development and these plans were further endorsed in 2013 with the allocation of TEN-T funding, funding which positions the Port of Cork as a priority TEN-T Core Network port.”

The Port of Cork as a Tier 1 National Strategic Port plays a key role in the movement of goods to and from European and World markets. The port secured funding as part of the TEN-T programmes which now positions the Port of Cork as a priority TEN-T Core Network port. This foundation block will drive the Port to meet future connectivity needs and supports the development of the wider regional and national economy. This TEN-T funding is of key importance to the port.

The Port of Cork cruise business continues to grow year on year and 2013 was no exception. 62 cruise liners called to Cork in 2013, bringing a staggering 123,000 passengers and crew to the region. These transit visitors are a welcome economic stimulus for Cork, bringing a much needed boost to the local economy for eight months of the year. Brittany Ferries had an excellent year with their seasonal service from Cork to Roscoff carrying over 79,000 passengers in 2013. This figure is up on 2012 and there is an expectation that 2014 will be another busy year for Brittany Ferries.

Looking forward, the Port of Cork will lodge a planning application in April 2014 with An Bord Pleanála for new and improved port infrastructure in Ringaskiddy. As part of this planning proposal, the Port of Cork will engage with stakeholders to allow for feedback to be given on the proposal. The Port of Cork is confident that this planning proposal will succeed; allowing the port to enhance its competitiveness and offer improved facilities to port customers, and bring a much needed stimulus to the local economy.

Following a decision by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport under Minister Leo Varadkar, the responsibility of the management and control of Bantry Harbour was transferred to the Port of Cork Company on the 1st January 2014. Through its subsidiary Bantry Bay Port Company, the Port of Cork looks forward to the development of business through this port.

The Port of Cork is committed to seeking out new business opportunities for the port and in particular, the agri-food business will be a key sector which the Port of Cork is keen to develop.

John Mullins says: “The Agri sector presents huge opportunities for the port’s exports, with the lifting of the Common Agriculture Policy production limits in 2015.”

Another area which proved successful in 2013 and one which the port will be actively progressing, is the offshore supply services and renewable energy sector. The Port of Cork is experienced in handling large project cargo and has been at the forefront in offering services in the exploration and development needs of the various multi-national companies in this sector.

Details of sister seaport agreements between Port of Cork and PortMiami and the Port of Cork and Port of Shenzhen were announced in 2013. These seaport agreements will benefit the Port of Cork by increasing the exchange of information and ideas, with the intended aim of increasing both cargo and cruise trade between ports.

The Port of Cork Schools Initiative is now in its ninth year and 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 connectivity to world markets. The initiative also gives children a better understanding of where cargo comes from and how Ireland, as an island depends on Ports for trading. This year’s theme (2014) ‘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. 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.

The Port of Cork’s recreational strategy continues to expand with the aim of improving the marine leisure facilities around Cork Harbour.

Related links for this article 

Port Of Cork Website 

Friday, January 10, 2014

European Tour Golf Returns to Fota Island For 2014



The clubhouse at Fota Island
The European Tour of golf has confirmed that Fota Island Golf Resort, situated on Fota Island in Cork Harbour, will host the 2014 Irish Open. This sees a return to the picturesque island setting for the first time in 12 years. The tournament was held twice in successive years in 2001 and 2002, when Colin Montgomery and Soren Hansen took the honours.

Fota Island Resort, which was recently purchased by Chinese investors The Kang Group Worldwide, will become an Official Sponsor as well as host venue of the Championship. BAM Contractors are also sponsors, while Cork City and County Councils have pledged valuable support.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Catherine Clancy, commented: “Cork City Council is delighted to be associated with the securing of this event for Cork through the provision of financial support from the Council’s Economic Development fund.

“The staging of the 2014 Irish Open in Fota Island will see significant short term and longer term tangible benefits to the city from the event itself and the strategic marketing messaging that will present Cork throughout the world as a place to visit through our association with the event.

Cllr. Noel O’Connor, Mayor of County Cork, said “the 2012 event at Royal Portrush smashed European Tour attendance figures attracting 131,000 visitors and if the event in Fota can attract close to those figures, it will mean a massive spin off for the Cork region.”

Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring said: “Failte Ireland remains committed to the Irish Open and fully appreciates its value in terms of global advertising and exposure. Both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are working together to promote the island of Ireland overseas as a golf destination, and as the home of golfing champions. With the renaissance in Irish Golf over the last decade, the Irish Open is a superb opportunity to show just what Ireland can offer to golfers.”

Ireland’s top golfers, including Rory McIlroy and Graham McDowell welcomed the announcement and will provide plenty of local interest in the event.

Related links for this article 

European Tour Press Release

Tickets for the Irish Open 2014

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

RTE News Footage of Safehaven Marine sea trials



Safehaven sea trials are conducted in heavy sea conditions
Paschal Sheehy of RTE had a fascinating report on the Six One news on 8th January, featuring the sea trials of two search and rescue boats built by Safehaven Marine. The trials took place off Roches Point in Cork Harbour during the recent heavy wind and stormy conditions. Wind speeds in excess of 100 Km/per hour and 20 metre waves were being recorded in the area at the time.

Frank Kowolski, Managing Director of Safehaven Marine, gives an interesting insight into trialing these high performance vessels.

View footage of sea trials by following the link below.

Related links for this article 

See the RTE footage here

Safehaven Marine website