Contract signing for Camden Fort Meagher Sewerage Scheme

Contract signing for Camden Fort Meagher Sewerage Scheme - Pictured (seated from left); Ger Power, Head of Economic Development; Gerard Griffin, Managing Director Griffin Bros. Contracting; Martin Riordan, County Manager and Cllr Noel O'Connor, Mayor of County Cork; (standing from left); Paul Brierly Crosshaven Tourism; Aileen O'Donovan, CCC and Noel O'Driscoll, CCC

Work commences on modern and efficient sewerage network throughout the Fort which will facilitate the ongoing upgrade of the Fort. The contract for Camden Fort Meagher Sewerage Scheme, costing €250,000, has been awarded to Griffin Bros Contracting Ltd., Castleisland, Co Kerry and Consulting Engineers MHL & Associates, Douglas Road, Cork. Cork County Council are owners of the Fort which comprises of approximately 50 acres on which is situated the former British Military Fort, which was handed over to the Irish State in 1938. The Fort was then a base for the Irish Military and Navy up to 1989 and was handed over to Cork County Council by the Department of Defence in the early 1990s. The Fort is currently undergoing a programme of restoration in a partnership with the Crosshaven Community Association and significant investment in same has been provided by Cork County Council. It is planned to restore the Fort as an iconic tourism destination as part of a larger Harbour tourism product. Ger Power, Head of Economic Development said "Cork County Council is now investing a further €250,000 to provide a modern and efficient Sewerage network throughout the Fort, which will facilitate the ongoing upgrade of the Fort and in time even greater public access to a world class product".

EMC EMEA Big Data Division Director challenges Ireland to become global maritime leader

Some of the large crowd gathered in the NMCI yesterday for the IMERC conference

A huge crowd of 130 people arrived at the National Maritime College of Ireland for the Annual IMERC Conference on 7th October to discuss how disruptive innovation can help Ireland realise its ocean potential. A disruptive innovation is an innovation which disrupts, improves and replaces an existing product, process approach or idea over time in unexpected ways. IMERC, the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster, is a partnership between University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology and the Irish Naval Services. The government aims to increase turnover from the sea to €6.4 billion by 2030. Chris Roche, the CTO of EMC EMEA, challenged the gathering to make the leap to disruptive innovation. He said ‘It is fantastic to see a cluster around such an obvious potential benefit to the country. The major question is if IMERC will move at enough speed and really embrace disruptive innovation?’ Mr Roche pointed out that Ireland is not among the top ten countries with the longest coastline in the world, nor is it among the largest Maritime and Energy clusters. To be successful Ireland will have to be innovative in its approach to building networks and take advantage of big data in the maritime sector. Ireland has the largest maritime to land mass area in the EU and is the third largest territory in the EU when its seabed is included. The maritime sector has huge growth possibilities for the Irish economy. Dallas Meggitt CEO of Sound and Sea Technology also spoke at the conference. Last week Sound and Sea Technology announced the creation of 55 new jobs to be located on the IMERC campus. This conference made tangible contribution to the realisation of Ireland’s ocean potential by bringing together speakers and guests from North America and Europe from a range of backgrounds including industry, government and academia to discuss the role disruptive innovation can play in driving this sector. IMERC is already making a big contribution to this sector with advanced plans for the development of a research and commercial campus in Ringaskiddy. Related links for this article  IMERC website

More than just a new member for the Atlantic Alliance – Port of Cork!

The ATLANTIC ALLIANCE is a marketing project of 18 ports along Europe’s West coast

The ATLANTIC ALLIANCE is a marketing project of 18 ports along Europe’s West coast between Hamburg and Lisbon, including Britain and now an Irish port. The project highlights to cruise companies that there is in Europe an attractive alternative to the Mediterranean and Baltic. The multifaceted character and diversity of the Atlantic Alliance members offer a versatile portfolio of cruise content for the cruise companies. Hamburg, 23rd of September 2013. The Atlantic Alliance is delighted to welcome the Port of Cork to the association. With the addition of Cork, the first Irish port to join the Alliance, the marketing project now covers in total eight countries. “The Alliance is proud to extend the region by aiming towards establishing a Euro-Atlantic destination on its own”, says Nadine Palatz, Manager Atlantic Alliance. Cork represents a key strategic member in terms of the implementation of the new EU sulphur directive which is due to come into effect in 2015. Within a North Sea context, this gives Cork an advantage for future cruise calls. Port of Cork is on the South Coast of Ireland and makes the Euro-Atlantic picture more complete, as marketed by the Atlantic Alliance. “Cork is home to some of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions such as Blarney Castle and Jameson Whiskey Distillery and also serves as a convenient gateway for visiting the many picturesque towns and sights of West Cork, Waterford and Killarney. We are delighted to be joining Atlantic Alliance in promoting Cork as a ‘must see’ destination on Ireland’s south coast” commented Captain Michael McCarthy, Commercial Manager, Port of Cork Company.  The Port of Cork is home to Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth in Cobh and will have welcomed a total of 61 cruise vessels carrying over 100,000 passengers and crew by the end of the 2013 season. This is up from 35 calls in 2005 and the Port of Cork has ambitions to grow the number of cruise calls to 80 over the next five years and to increase turn-around calls and overnight stays. All cruise vessels that call to Cork are given a very special welcome courtesy of Cork Cruise, providing tourist representatives who go on board 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 do not go unnoticed by the passengers and the cruise lines and in 2011 the Port of Cork was awarded two Cruise Insight Awards for ‘Best Shore Side Welcome’ and ‘Best Tour Guides’.

Cork Harbour Open Weekend Programme

Download the Open Weekend programme below

Celebrate and enjoy Cork Harbour both on and off the water with plenty of activities for all ages, over two days, 14th & 15th September. Why not try out sailing or cheer on the dragon boats!  Please note, the tours of the navy ship have been cancelled due to operational reasons This year, Cork Harbour Open Weekend has another packed programme with lots of activities on offer for all ages. Taking place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2013, Cork Harbour Open Weekend will offer lots of events and activities for all the family, both on and off the water. The open weekend is a great opportunity for people to see exactly what Cork Harbour has to offer, and this year is no exception with the second largest natural harbour in the world playing host to a number of events. An Inter-Firm Dragon Boat Race on Lapps Quay Cork City organised by Meitheal Mara will take place on Saturday at 3pm, kayaking in Cobh and Cork City, a raft race organised by Scouting Ireland, and a free open day at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy. For anyone interested in trying their hand at sailing the world’s oldest yacht club, RCYC in Crosshaven will open their doors to provide sailing for adults and children on Saturday at 11am. This is a great way for everyone to experience the wonderful sport of sailing within Cork Harbour. Cork Boat Club in Blackrock invites the public to come along and tour their boathouse, meet the rowers and enjoy a coffee or some home baking in their café on Saturday at 11am. To celebrate Cork Harbour Open Weekend, Cork County Council is offering individuals and families an opportunity to visit Spike Island to experience the rich history which this Island has to offer at significantly reduced rates. Children’s Entertainment will be provided on both days from 12pm – 5pm with free guided tours of the Island taking place on the hour from 11am – 3pm departing from the Coffee Shop, Spike Island. The Cobh Animation Team dressed in appropriate period costumes will also be present. Visitors also have the opportunity to stroll on the 1.6km Glacis Walk, a walkway developed around the perimeter of the fort with its unique views of the harbour. The ferry will leave Kennedy Pier, Cobh regularly from 11am – 3pm with return ferries available until 6pm on both days. The cost is €5 per adult and €15 per family (1adult& 3 children or 2 adults & 2 children, each additional child will cost €3). Camden Fort Meagher will be hosting Military Re-enactments from the Celts, Romans right through to World War 1&2 with over 60 re-enactors on site. There will also be a fancy dress themed weekend with prizes for different categories. Admission details can be found on www.camdenfortmeagher.ie In Cobh, there will be crab fishing for kids at The Promenade from 3 – 5pm on the Saturday, while on Sunday the Band 1 Southern Brigade will perform on the Victorian bandstand at 3pm. Also in Cobh on both Saturday and Sunday, there will be a final opportunity to see the magnificent photograph exhibition on Cork Dockyard in Cobh Heritage Centre. Admission is free. For anyone with an interest in the Lusitania tragedy, local historian Jack Gilmartin will attend the Lusitania graves in the Old Church Cemetery in Cobh and outline the town’s links with the tragedy of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, on Sunday at 2pm. Taking place on Saturday, 15th September at 2.30pm will be an air/sea rescue demonstration in the lower harbour carried out by the Irish Coastguard. This is a super spectacle for everyone to watch from the shoreline and see the incredible work carried out by our Coastguard. Aimed at embracing what Cork Harbour has to offer, the Cork Harbour Open Weekend aims to raise awareness of the different activities available for people in the harbour both on and off the water. It’s a great day for all the family with many events are free to everyone. 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. For more information on Cork Harbour Open Weekend and see the full programme of events visit www.corkharbour.ie or email harbourevents@corkharbour.ie Follow Us on Facebook and on Twitter @corkharbour using the hashtag #corkharbour13 Related links for this article  Open Weekend Programme Open Weekend Poster

Family tickets to Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven for the Cork Harbour Open Weekend

Picture from www.camdenfortmeagher.ie

Winners Saturday John Kavanagh Jim Lawton Sunday Tommy Ahearn Brian Barry Camden Fort Meagher is internationally recognised as being "One of the finest remaining examples of a classical Coastal Artillery Fort in the world". Admission is between 12 noon and 5PM on both Saturday and Sunday with last entry being at 4.15PM 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. This will be a fancy dress themed weekend with prizes for different categories. Admission is as follows: Adults €4 Under 18 - €3 Under 4 – Free Family of 2 adults and 3 under 18’s €14. Only guide or assistance dogs please. See the programme linked below for more details. THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED Question: Camden Fort Meagher is situated above which Cork Harbour village? Answer: Crosshaven Keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the minute information on this competition and Cork Harbour Open Weekend. Related links for this article  Camden Fort Meagher website Cork Harbour Open Weekend Programme

Win a family pass to Spike Island during Cork Harbour Open Weekend 14th / 15th September - Winners announced

Answer a simple question to be in with a chance of visiting Spike Island for free!

Winners: Saturday: Ted Creedon Jim Lawton Sunday Brendan Sisk Frans Bakx To celebrate Cork Harbour Open Weekend Cork County Council offered two family passes each day, during the Open Weekend, to Spike Island*.  The tickets will include a ferry to Spike and admission to the fort. The ferry will leave Kennedy Pier, Cobh, regularly from 11AM- 3PM with return ferries available until 6PM on both days. Don’t worry if you did not win the competition. There are special low prices in place for the Open Weekend. The cost is €5 per adult and €15 per family (1 adult & 3 children or 2 adults & 2 children. Each additional child will cost €3)  This is an excellent opportunity to experience the rich history which this island has to offer. Children’s entertainment will be provided on both day’s between 12-5 with free guided tours of the island taking place on the hour from 11AM -3PM, departing from the Coffee Shop on Spike Island. The Cobh Animation Team dressed in appropriate period costumes will also be present. All visitors will be able to stroll on the 1.6KM Glascis Walk, a walkway developed around the perimeter of the fort with its unique views of the harbour. See the programme linked below for more details.  THE COMPETITION Competition is now closed Question: What is the name of the new 1.6KM walkway developed by Cork County Council around the perimeter of the fort on Spike Island? Answer: The Glascis Walk Keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the minute information on this competition and Cork Harbour Open Weekend. IMPORTANT *A family ticket permits 1 adult & 3 children or 2 adults & 2 children. Each additional child will cost €3 Related links for this article  Download the programme Download the Open Weekend promotional poster

Cork Harbour Open Weekend – Focus On Ringaskiddy and the Lower Harbour

The National Maritime College of Ireland

To celebrate Cork Harbour’s unrivalled maritime research pegigree, The National Maritime College Of Ireland will hold an open day on both Saturday and Sunday between 10AM and 4PM. Tours of the college will include a short video, a visit to the 360 degree Bridge Simulator and a visit to the state-of-the-art Environmental Survival pool. This is a FREE event. On Saturday at 2.30PM in the Lower Harbour near Monkstown (but also viewable from Ringaskiddy, Whitepoint, or Cobh), there will be a sea and air rescue demonstration by the Irish Coastguard and SAR helicopter. Related links for this article  The NMCI website Cork Harbour Open Weekend Programme