RTÉ correspondent denies ‘nimbyism’ charge over port proposals

A HUGE row has broken out between the commercial manager of the Port of Cork and RTÉ’s marine correspondent over proposals to develop a €232 million container port at Ringaskiddy.

The row broke out as An Bord Pleanála’s oral hearing into the proposals moved into its third week.

It was sparked when Captain Michael McCarthy, the port’s commercial manager, accused Tom McSweeney of “nimbyism” (not in my back yard).

Capt McCarthy claimed Tom McSweeney — who lives in the lower harbour village of Monkstown — “never lost an opportunity to offer adverse comments about the proposed development at the Oyster Bank in Ringaskiddy” in a weekly Seascapes column in the Evening Echo newspaper. Click Here!


Mr McSweeney hit back by saying Capt McCarthy’s reference to nimbysim “is beneath contempt and not worthy of a response in a debate that should be about the welfare of everyone in the harbour area”.

But the port’s commercial manager stated that when Tom McSweeney was awarded “the well deserved” title of maritime person of the year, the RTÉ correspondent remarked, during an acceptance speech, that if people thought about it, they would realise how dependent we are on the sea.

Capt McCarthy quoted Mr McSweeney as saying: “We are so dependent on the sea. Too often, it is out of sight, out of mind, but we are on an island which is very peripheral. A port would not be a port without shipping. The development of shipping activities is welcomed by most.” He then accused the marine correspondent of being “inconsistent in his argument”.

Pointing out that Capt McCarthy was entitled to his view, Mr McSweeney said his “interest is the future of Cork Harbour for all concerned and not for any narrow or personal interest and that is what should motivate every stakeholder in the harbour”. He added: “Regrettably, the public interest is not given full standing as a stakeholder. At all times, I have maintained an independent approach towards what I view to be a national — not just a local resource.”

Meanwhile, Capt McCarthy said the Port of Cork considers the Oyster Bank project to be an essential development for the future growth of the Cork region and the south of Ireland enabling it to attract investment and provide sustainable employment.

Further rows are expected today at the oral hearing when the Port of Waterford puts its case against the Port of Cork’s relocation plans.

The Port of Cork’s chief executive Brendan Keating has described Waterford’s objections as mischievous.

The oral hearing is expected to continue for a further two weeks.

Irish Examiner

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