Our most important passenger and freight ports

Amtmann

Following on from a discussion in the Roads Forum on the proposed M11 Oilgate to Rosslare scheme, it seems pertinent to start a thread on the relative importance of various ports outside of Dublin, such as Ringaskiddy vs Rosslare. This has implications for road investment. For example, which is more deserving of an upgrade: the N28 (Ringaskiddy) or the N11 (Rosslare)?

Victor

Note that Ringaskiddy is also an industrial area with several thousand employed and that the N28 also serves Carrigaline and elsewhere, which hardly compares to the holiday homes in Rosslare. Some of the N28 is still particularly narrow, especially at the top of Carr's Hill http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,571186,566766,7

That said, WCC have allowed development right along the N25, which makes certain sections more pressing than others.

I wonder if both schemes are over-specified. Certainly, drawings I saw of the N28 had lots of junctions between Shannonpark (Carrigaline) Roundabout and Ringaskiddy.

Regarding tonnages, Rosslare is effectively a single port, but Cork has Whitegate (oil), Cobh (mixed visiting traffic, cruise ships, fishing), Rushbrooke (low level ship repair), Marino Point (closed), Carrigaloe (pleasure craft), Tivoli, (new vehicles, lead ore, refined fuels), city quays (bulk, live animals, timber, grains, mixed visiting traffic, refined fuels), Passage West (bulk), Monkstown (pleasure craft), Pfizer (citric acid, others?), Ringaskiddy (car ferry, new vehicles, bulk), Haulbowline (Naval Service) and Crosshaven (boat building and pleasure craft). Different parts of the port, use different routes.

Carawaystick

the N11 is all ws2 from Clogh to the end bar the towns and villages it passes (Camolin, Ferns, Enniscorth and Oylgate) and the N25 is ws2 pretty much all the way to the top of the hill into the port

the N28 is too narrow and busy to allow right turns for a long stretch from the top of the hill out of Douglas to Carrigaline as Victor says.

Amtmann

Cross-posting this from the N28 thread in the roads forum:

Port to submit revised €50m terminal plan

THE Port of Cork is to submit a revised plan for a new €50 million container terminal in Ringaskiddy, although not on the same site which was previously refused by Bord Pleanála.

Two years ago the planning appeals board rejected the port’s plans for a container terminal at the Oysterbank. Now, after reviewing five shortlisted alternatives, the port has decided the ideal location for the terminal will be adjacent to the ferry terminal at Ringaskiddy.

The port’s chief executive Brendan Keating said the company could also carry out some future operations at Marino Point, but would have to acquire the former IFI site before they could lodge any planning applications there.

Mr Keating said it was hoped to apply for permission for the cargo terminal during 2012 and, all going according to plan, start construction in early 2104. The terminal would take 14 months to construct. The project represented the first part of a 20-year phased plan to upgrade the port’s handling facilities.

"After the first phase further developments will follow a business case and capacity needs," he said.

Mr Keating said that while the Tivoli terminal was still functioning well, it was coming under pressure and a new terminal was needed to deal with the ever increasing size of container ships.

He acknowledged that the Port of Cork would have to persuade Bord Pleanála to change its mind on Ringaskiddy being proper place for a deep water cargo handling facility.

The planning appeals board turned down the previous application on a number of grounds. Firstly, it felt too much pressure would be put on the N28 (Cork-Ringaskiddy road) with the number of lorries generated by the project.

In addition, it was felt that the Jack Lynch Tunnel wouldn’t be able to handle extra traffic and Bord Pleanála also believed a deep water cargo handling facility needed a rail connection.

"We were very perplexed at the reasons for the refusal and we will have to address that with Bord Pleanála," Mr Keating said.

He said the National Roads Authority (NRA) had given a commitment to upgrade the N28.

The NRA has also indicated it is planning a major upgrade of the Jack Lynch Tunnell/Dunkettle roundabout interchange.

The Port of Cork chief executive acknowledged that while a rail link could be easily created to Marino Point, off the Cork-Cobh line, it was unlikely one would ever be built to Ringaskiddy.

However, Mr Keating said Ringaskiddy is already associated with considerable port activity and port investment.

The port authorities will be consulting with customers and stakeholders again on it plans in the coming weeks.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Friday, June 18, 2010


Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland...#ixzz10XvDKyHG

invinciblePRSTV

Marino point is a good shout for the Ports re-location. Rail connected and with plans somewhere in purgatory to upgrade the terrible Fota road to DC standard up to the N25.

Those Rushbrooke nimbys are waiting to strike no doubt.

dowlingm

Mr Keating said it was hoped to apply for permission for the cargo terminal during 2012 and, all going according to plan, start construction in early 2104.

I guess the banks will be unbanjaxed by then :rolleyes:

Apogee

I can't find any other thread specific to ports, so this is probably best fit.

Irish Examiner wrote:

Port acquires IFI plant for cargo expansion
The Port of Cork has confirmed its purchase of the long-disused Irish Fertiliser Industries (IFI) plant in Marino Point, Cobh, in a joint venture project which will see the shoreline site redeveloped for additional cargo handling.

After years of trying to secure the strategic harbourside facility, Port of Cork chief executive Brendan Keating said it has acquired the site along with Lanber Holdings (LB), a Co Wexford-based company which has a major track record in business development.

[...]

The deal was confirmed yesterday as, in a separate major boost for Cork Harbour, a US energy company formally announced its plans to ship more than €300m worth of natural gas yearly from its Texas gas field, to be piped into the national grid. The project, recently revealed by the Irish Examiner, is a collaboration between NextDecade Corporation, the Port of Cork and Flex LNG, a company which will supply a special storage ship which will convert liquid natural gas (LNG) into vapour before it is pumped ashore.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/port-acquires-ifi-plant-for-cargo-expansion-456282.html

Victor

While it had good rail and energy connections, Marino Point doesn't have great road access - the road from Carrigtwohill to Cobh is mostly a legacy 2-lane road.

KCAccidental

Victor wrote: »

While it had good rail and energy connections, Marino Point doesn't have great road access - the road from Carrigtwohill to Cobh is mostly a legacy 2-lane road.

The rail connection is probably the most important with this site.

I wonder would there be any call for a dedicated lower harbour bridge for vehicles to link up with the M28.

Markcheese

KCAccidental wrote:

I wonder would there be any call for a dedicated lower harbour bridge for vehicles to link up with the M28.

Sounds cheap and simple..

KCAccidental

Markcheese wrote: »

Sounds cheap and simple..

sounds cheap and simple... I don't think the poshos in Monkstown want to be too connected to Cobh!

Markcheese

KCAccidental wrote:

sounds cheap and simple... I don't think the poshos in Monkstown want to be too connected to Cobh!

Tís alright, Marino point is across from passage west... 😀
. . Actually the road to Marino point from cobh cross isn't that bad, would need widening and straightening ( a lot of rock into the harbour,) the pinch point will be the bridge from fota to great island...

marno21

There was a plan to dual a stretch of the R624 back when money grew on trees, main part was to be a new bridge near Fota.

From there to Cobh would be challenging to widen though.

Victor

KCAccidental wrote: »

sounds cheap and simple... I don't think the poshos in Monkstown want to be too connected to Cobh!

But imagine that any bridge also provides a rail connection to Monkstown, Carrigaline and Ringaskiddy.

KCAccidental

Victor wrote: »

But imagine that any bridge also provides a rail connection to Monkstown, Carrigaline and Ringaskiddy.

would really open up both areas. Should certainly be examined.

Apogee

Article on Port of Cork CEO and plans for Ringaskiddy/Cork Container Terminal

https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/this-will-be-the-biggest-transformation-in-irish-ports-for-the-next-15-years-brendan-keating-ceo-port-of-cork-39371277.html

Apogee

Behind paywall unfortunately.

SBP wrote:

A new multimillion-euro deepwater port which aims to provide additional capacity in the wake of Brexit and become a hub for renewable energy projects is to be developed in Co Meath, the Business Post has learned.Drogheda Port Company and developer Johnny Ronan’s Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) will develop the project north of Bremore Head, on the Meath coast.The scheme could represent one of the largest national infrastructure projects...

https://www.businesspost.ie/construction/multimillion-euro-deepwater-port-planned-for-co-meath-d95fc65e

Poulgorm

invinciblePRSTV wrote: »

Marino point is a good shout for the Ports re-location. Rail connected and with plans somewhere in purgatory to upgrade the terrible Fota road to DC standard up to the N25.

It is also connected to electricity transmission grid and the transmission gas grid. And it has its own jetty. Plus the onsite connection to the railway network. It is also has a massive water supply.

All these facilities were required by its previous occupant - the (infamous) NET plant was built there in the 1970s. I think they manufactured ammonia from natural gas & shipped it by train to its Arklow plant.

The site must be good for something. I am surprised, given the facilities there, that it has been abandoned for so long.

rebs23

Poulgorm wrote: »

It is also connected to electricity transmission grid and the transmission gas grid. And it has its own jetty. Plus the onsite connection to the railway network. It is also has a massive water supply.

All these facilities were required by its previous occupant - the (infamous) NET plant was built there in the 1970s. I think they manufactured ammonia from natural gas & shipped it by train to its Arklow plant.

The site must be good for something. I am surprised, given the facilities there, that it has been abandoned for so long.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/arid-30993956.html

Article above on the plans, currently on appeal. It's a fabulous site for the expansion of Port activities and the relocation of Port related activities in the City Centre.

Apogee

The new Stena Embla was initially due to service Belfast-Liverpool but was instead diverted to Rosslare-Cherbourg.


https://twitter.com/TommyMeskill/status/1349493283232362497

https://twitter.com/riverbankhotel/status/1349678374936059904

https://twitter.com/Rosslareuroport/status/1349766061500067840

Apogee

Brittany Ferries move forward plans for Rosslare-Cherbourg ...
https://twitter.com/Rosslareuroport/status/1350474353746567177

...while Stena reroute another ship from Dublin-Holyhead to Dublin-Cherbourg
https://twitter.com/StenaLine/status/1350407019052859394

JohnC.

I read Cap Finistère is also doing Rosslare - Bilbao twice a week.

Apogee

New direct container shipping route between Dublin & Amsterdam:
https://twitter.com/IrelandinNL/status/1351112951525216266

Apogee

RTÉ News report on Port of Cork:
https://twitter.com/rtenews/status/1353696386655649793

Apogee

The 'Brexit effect' continues. Major reorganisation of supply routes.

https://twitter.com/JP_Biz/status/1354479246941560832

https://twitter.com/Rosslareuroport/status/1354781081866809345

Apogee

BBC News wrote:

"We're seeing a lot of Amazon stuff now coming directly [to Ireland] from Belgium using Dunkirk and straight into Ireland," he added. "We are seeing 22 trucks a day alone coming in from Amazon on that route, which we would never have seen in Rosslare."

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-55954524

Markcheese

Does anyone know is there much stuff coming down from the north to get the ferrys across to europe ,?
Is it worth scottish companies doing the same to avoid any backlogs on the south coast of england ?

Victor

Markcheese wrote: »

Is it worth scottish companies doing the same to avoid any backlogs on the south coast of england ?

Unlikely - they would need to deal with two lots of inspections.

loyatemu

Victor wrote: »

Unlikely - they would need to deal with two lots of inspections.

would they though? - customs border is in the Irish sea.
If goods come into NI marked as destined for the EU would they require further inspection. No different from exporting Scotland->NI->ROI

Victor

loyatemu wrote: »

would they though? - customs border is in the Irish sea.
If goods come into NI marked as destined for the EU would they require further inspection. No different from exporting Scotland->NI->ROI

Yes, this struck me as I lay awake in bed last night.

Pete_Cavan

PQQ for Rosslare Europort Masterplan Phase 1 issued by Iarnrod Eireann

https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/188011/1/0

Detailed description:
The first phase of the Rosslare Masterplan provides for new circulation routes in the port, a new Freight Check-In Area and associated works. The key elements of the Phase 1 works are as follows:
1. New access road from the existing entrance roundabout to along the southern perimeter of the existing Port site, with a new roundabout which will provide access to a proposed freight entrance plaza and to the small boating marina.
2. Demolition of existing buildings
3. New freight entrance plaza

This phase will also facilitate the development of the proposed Border Control Post in the port by the OPW and will accommodate the proposed N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road project which is currently being progressed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Wexford County Council.

Type of contract:
Works

Response deadline (Irish time):
31/05/2021 12:00:00

I assume the new access road is this;

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/sites/default/files/content/Rosslare-Europort-Access-Road-Brochure_Preferred-Scheme-Option_WEB.pdf

roadmaster

I see galway port are looking at redevelopment including a deep water berth. With the motorway network development should we not be putting money in to foynes instead?

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/plans-unveiled-for-exciting-redevelopment-of-galway-harbour-1.4556224

IE 222

roadmaster wrote: »

I see galway port are looking at redevelopment including a deep water berth. With the motorway network development should we not be putting money in to foynes instead?

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/plans-unveiled-for-exciting-redevelopment-of-galway-harbour-1.4556224

Sure Foynes could handle what Galway port handles already. The fact most of Galway port is allocated to car parking shows how little it handles. A rail yard and import/export via other ports would be sufficient.

Pete_Cavan

Yes much of the existing Galway port is to be redeveloped as a modern city district

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1389876803704086534

Of course, that plan hinges on the development of the new deep water port which almost certainly means both will get caught up in environmental litigation for many years. Galway needs to forget about commercial port activities, as said, Foynes makes more sense for that and will only be a short motorway journey away once Adare is bypassed.

MyLove4Satan

That Galway port plan has no chance.

Apogee

Cork picking up some Brexit traffic too
https://twitter.com/PortofCork/status/1391720213708787713

CatInABox

https://twitter.com/CISireland/status/1396751612262051845

Apogee

https://twitter.com/PortofCork/status/1423203874341539840

https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40352741.html

THE Port of Cork’s impressive Ship to Shore Gantry Cranes have moved into position at a new state of the art facility.

In 2020 the Port of Cork took ownership of two Ship to Shore (STS) Gantry Cranes for the new state of the art Port facility, Cork Container Terminal in Ringaskiddy.

The cranes were built by Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd in Killarney and were assembled onsite under the supervision of expert Liebherr engineers.

They have an outreach of 45m, a back reach of 15m and a lift height over rail of 32m.

Apogee

Another write up on on-going developments at Port of Cork

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40355873.html

marno21

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117734085#Comment_117734085

All that’s needed for our 21st century port now is a 21st century access route and we’ll be motoring.

riddlinrussell

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117734164#Comment_117734164

I'd argue just a motorway to the port is a 20th century access route, 21st would be a high standard rail cargo terminal, a local distribution facility for Cork area goods incorporating cargo bikes, and hydrogen/ev setup for truck transport, in addition to the motorway

Pete_Cavan

Foynes Port looking for consultants for their own new Deepwater terminal;

https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/194992/0/0?returnUrl=ctm/Supplier/publictenders&b=ETENDERS_SIMPLE

And other RFT for consultancy services for the development of a new port on the north of Bremore Head, this is backed by Johnny Ronon and the email address given is @ronangrouprealestate.com;

https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/194927/0/0?returnUrl=ctm/Supplier/PublicTenders&b=ETENDERS_SIMPLE

Apogee

Summary of RoRo trade and impact of Brexit

https://twitter.com/JP_Biz/status/1425718703044366336

tenant2b

Would waterford port be considered important? It seems very busy. I often see very large loads such as wind turbines and aircraft engines come in through it.

end of the road

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117830867#Comment_117830867

most certainly i would say.

Apogee

Brexit continuing to have a huge effect on the landbridge and ports

Volumes of goods shipped directly from Ireland to the EU on new Brexit-busting ferry routes have rocketed by 50% in the past six months as exporters seek to avoid travelling across land through Great Britain, according to official data.

Figures published by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) show significant traffic diverted away from the traditional routes between Dublin and Britain to some of 32 new ferry services direct to ports such as Le Havre, Cherbourg and Dunkirk in France and Zeebrugge in Belgium.

The IMDO report shows freight volumes from Dublin port to Liverpool and Holyhead in Anglesey down 19% in the first three-quarters of 2021 compared with 2020 and down by 30% on the two routes from Rosslare in south-east Ireland to the Welsh ports of Pembroke and Fishguard.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/goods-shipped-directly-from-ireland-to-eu-up-by-50-in-six-months

Apogee

From tomorrow's Examiner

Apogee

€28m investment in Shannon Foynes for future offshore wind development:

https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40829390.html

Presumably with an eye on plans by ESB's "planned fabrication facility for the construction and assembly of floating offshore wind turbines" at Moneypoint:

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0224/1282842-esb-lays-moneypoint-offshore-wind-plan-before-planners/

MyLove4Satan

No way is the Foynes line going to be put back in service. They are all lying through their teeth about that one.

Apogee

https://twitter.com/PortofCork/status/1512382832936734722

Economics101

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117830867#Comment_117830867

Waterford has good direct ship to rail capability, and probably has loads of spare capacity. Currently it has a couple of weekly container trains to Ballina. Rising fuel prices can only improve the prospects for this traffic. Also Ireland has much higher track access charges for rail freight. Someone should tell Eamon Ryan to get off his bike on this issue.