A REVIEW of potential sites for the development of a new container terminal in Cork harbour will be completed by early next year, according to Port of Cork chief executive Brendan Keating.
Mr Keating said the decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for a new container terminal and multipurpose berth at Oysterbank near Ringaskiddy was disappointing, but the company was moving ahead to find alternatives.
Mr Keating conceded that the decision was a setback for the company and was all the more disappointing given the recognition of the project as being of strategic importance to the economy.
After the project was refused in June 2008, the company completed a review of all aspects of the application and the decision by An Bord Pleanála, said Mr Keating.
“Following the review of the planning decision, the port is also . . . undertaking a review of the strategic plan and is committed to re-examination and consultation on potential suitable sites within Cork Harbour and we aim to have this completed by early 2010.
“It is our strong belief that the development of new port infrastructure capacity is essential for economic enhancement of Cork city and region and for the competitiveness of the Irish economy, enabling it to realise its economic potential and facilitate growth and trade.”
Mr Keating made his comments as the Port of Cork published its report for 2008 which showed an increase in annual turnover of 5.5 per cent to €26.3 million despite a reduction in traffic by 5 per cent attributable to the slowdown of the economy.
The report showed the company reported a profit of ordinary activity before tax of €4.1 million and a profit after tax of €3.3 million after cost of sales, administration expenses and exceptional items were deducted.
Total traffic at the port fell by 5 per cent to 10.1 million tonnes in 2008. Oil traffic fell by 4.4 per cent to 5.8 million tonnes and accounted for 57.6 per cent of cargo handled through the port.
Non-oil traffic accounted for 4.28 million tonnes in 2008 marking a decrease of 179,185 tonnes or 4.56 per cent compared with the same period in 2007 while cereals, coal, bulk fertiliser and animal feed showed marginal increases.
Cork remains the second busiest port in Ireland in terms of container traffic despite a reduction of 6.97 per cent.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label cork harbour planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cork harbour planning. Show all posts
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Cork incinerator hearing adjourned
An oral hearing by An Bord Pleanála into a proposed €150 million incinerator at Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour has been adjourned for three weeks following presentations from members of the local community.
Indaver Ireland has applied under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 for both a hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a municipal waste incinerator, each capable of taking 100,000 tonnes per annum, at the 12 hectare Ringaskiddy site.
According to Indaver’s planning application, the plant will incorporate a four storey high process building, an 85 metre high flue stack, a turbine hall, an aerocondenser structure, a sampling laboratory and a transfer station and other units at the site.
A number of groups have come together under the banner of Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment to oppose the plan.
Following presentations from members of the local community last night at a special evening session, An Bord Pleanála senior inspector Ms Oznur Yukel-Finn has adjourned the hearing for three weeks to allow time for consideration of extra information presented during the hearing.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Indaver Ireland has applied under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 for both a hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a municipal waste incinerator, each capable of taking 100,000 tonnes per annum, at the 12 hectare Ringaskiddy site.
According to Indaver’s planning application, the plant will incorporate a four storey high process building, an 85 metre high flue stack, a turbine hall, an aerocondenser structure, a sampling laboratory and a transfer station and other units at the site.
A number of groups have come together under the banner of Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment to oppose the plan.
Following presentations from members of the local community last night at a special evening session, An Bord Pleanála senior inspector Ms Oznur Yukel-Finn has adjourned the hearing for three weeks to allow time for consideration of extra information presented during the hearing.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Cork incinerator would contravene county plan
THE PROPOSAL by Indaver Ireland to build a €150 million incinerator at Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour would require a material contravention of the Cork County Development Plan, the oral hearing into the proposed facility was told yesterday.
Cork County Council senior planner Paul Murphy told the sixth day of An Bord Pleanála’s hearing that the proposal materially contravenes specific zoning objectives of both the 2003 and 2009 development plans.
Mr Murphy said that the county council had previously refused planning permission for an earlier proposal by Indaver in 2003 but that it was granted permission by the planning board following a lengthy oral hearing.
The board’s inspector at that hearing recommended against granting planning on 14 grounds, but An Bord Pleanála’s board disagreed and granted planning, citing as its primary reason that the incinerator constituted “a necessary national public utility”.
Mr Murphy said the county council questioned the need for the facility, in particular a municipal waste incinerator element, as the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 does not include incineration as an option for dealing with waste.
“The initial targets outlined in the landfill directive for 2010 and 2013 can be met without incineration. The development of such a facility could divert waste away from prevention, material recovery/reuse and recycling,” Mr Murphy said.
The county council was also concerned that the proposed building, with a maximum height of 48.27 metres and stack with a maximum height of 90.77 metres on such a prominent position on Ringaskiddy peninsula, could have a significant visual impact on the harbour area.
“It will impact not only upon the established areas around Ringaskiddy but also upon those areas regularly frequented by the public, especially for walking, such as Monkstown, Currabinny and Camden and areas of relatively high population such as Cobh,” he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Cork County Council senior planner Paul Murphy told the sixth day of An Bord Pleanála’s hearing that the proposal materially contravenes specific zoning objectives of both the 2003 and 2009 development plans.
Mr Murphy said that the county council had previously refused planning permission for an earlier proposal by Indaver in 2003 but that it was granted permission by the planning board following a lengthy oral hearing.
The board’s inspector at that hearing recommended against granting planning on 14 grounds, but An Bord Pleanála’s board disagreed and granted planning, citing as its primary reason that the incinerator constituted “a necessary national public utility”.
Mr Murphy said the county council questioned the need for the facility, in particular a municipal waste incinerator element, as the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 does not include incineration as an option for dealing with waste.
“The initial targets outlined in the landfill directive for 2010 and 2013 can be met without incineration. The development of such a facility could divert waste away from prevention, material recovery/reuse and recycling,” Mr Murphy said.
The county council was also concerned that the proposed building, with a maximum height of 48.27 metres and stack with a maximum height of 90.77 metres on such a prominent position on Ringaskiddy peninsula, could have a significant visual impact on the harbour area.
“It will impact not only upon the established areas around Ringaskiddy but also upon those areas regularly frequented by the public, especially for walking, such as Monkstown, Currabinny and Camden and areas of relatively high population such as Cobh,” he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Plans to redevelop harbour fort into tourist attraction
PLANS are being drawn up to create a tourist attraction out of a fort built in Cork harbour in the late 1700s.
Cork County Council officials are drawing up plans for the future of Fort Camden, near Crosshaven. County manager Martin Riordan had said he is prepared to put a significant amount of local authority money into the restoration project, although he is hoping that the state will also contribute.
Fort Camden was built by the British in 1775, coinciding with the start of the American War of Independence.
It was remodelled during the Napoleonic period and used as a prison from 1850-65. It was again remodelled as a fort from 1862 to 1874. When it was taken over by the Irish in 1938 it was renamed Fort Meagher.
News of the council’s interest in the project came to light when Councillor John A Collins asked the county manager what plans he had for the facility.
Mr Riordan admitted that keeping the site safe and secure was costing the council a considerable amount of money and he would rather see something positive done with it.
Mr Collins maintained some of the land should be sold off for housing and some handed over to local sports clubs.
Cllr Tim Lombard wondered if some of the land could be zoned for holiday homes, but didn’t think it was feasible to sell a large chunk to developers because of the present slump in the housing market.
“I’m very concerned it has been lying idle for an inordinate amount of time. I’m not satisfied it is getting as much attention as it deserves,” Cllr Paula Desmond said.
The county manager said the fort “was of major historical significance” and he wanted to get funding to do it up.
Mr Riordan asked councillors to be patient while he tried to get a number of Government departments onboard: “I’d prefer to try and link it with the redevelopment of Spike Island and say there is a story to be told in the harbour.”
He said the council was putting together a plan and he would shortly be bringing it to the attention of councillors.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Cork County Council officials are drawing up plans for the future of Fort Camden, near Crosshaven. County manager Martin Riordan had said he is prepared to put a significant amount of local authority money into the restoration project, although he is hoping that the state will also contribute.
Fort Camden was built by the British in 1775, coinciding with the start of the American War of Independence.
It was remodelled during the Napoleonic period and used as a prison from 1850-65. It was again remodelled as a fort from 1862 to 1874. When it was taken over by the Irish in 1938 it was renamed Fort Meagher.
News of the council’s interest in the project came to light when Councillor John A Collins asked the county manager what plans he had for the facility.
Mr Riordan admitted that keeping the site safe and secure was costing the council a considerable amount of money and he would rather see something positive done with it.
Mr Collins maintained some of the land should be sold off for housing and some handed over to local sports clubs.
Cllr Tim Lombard wondered if some of the land could be zoned for holiday homes, but didn’t think it was feasible to sell a large chunk to developers because of the present slump in the housing market.
“I’m very concerned it has been lying idle for an inordinate amount of time. I’m not satisfied it is getting as much attention as it deserves,” Cllr Paula Desmond said.
The county manager said the fort “was of major historical significance” and he wanted to get funding to do it up.
Mr Riordan asked councillors to be patient while he tried to get a number of Government departments onboard: “I’d prefer to try and link it with the redevelopment of Spike Island and say there is a story to be told in the harbour.”
He said the council was putting together a plan and he would shortly be bringing it to the attention of councillors.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Incinerator group in legal costs plea after failing in Supreme Court appeal
CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for the country’s first toxic waste incinerator have pleaded with the Government not to pursue them for substantial legal costs following what they called a “devastating” court ruling.
The Supreme Court awarded costs to the State and to Indaver against residents of Cork Harbour relating to its decision in July not to adjourn incinerator cases pending a European Court of Justice case against Ireland.
The court said as this appeal had failed, there was no reason for it to depart from the normal practice of requiring the unsuccessful party to be responsible for costs.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and An Bórd Pleanála told the court they are not looking for their costs.
Residents fighting the €75 million incinerator are facing a substantial legal bill, potentially hundreds of thousands of euro.
Labour TD Ciarán Lynch said the decision will have huge financial implications for people around the country “sticking up for their own community”.
“This will undermine the principle of the participation by community groups in public debate and public campaigns,” he said.
Green Party Senator Dan Boyle said he was very unhappy with the decision.
“The State can and should withdraw its demand for costs and I will argue that point to Government,” he said.
Indaver managing director John Ahern said he will not make a decision on the costs until other cases pending have been determined.
“We question the wisdom of the objectors continuing with a case which we believe we will be successful in,” he said.
The Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE) said the Supreme Court decision sent shockwaves through harbour communities.
CHASE chairwoman Mary O’Leary said this would be “an acid test” of Environment Minister John Gormley’s “green credentials”.
“He must ensure that the communities who sought important clarification on a matter of planning law don’t suffer for bringing this to the state’s attention,” she said.
Ms O’Leary and Mr Gormley were among a delegation which travelled to Brussels in spring 2004 to lodge a complaint with the EU about alleged breaches of planning law.
It led to a European Court of Justice case against the State on the grounds of non-compliance with an European Commission (EC) directive on Environmental Impact Assessments on significant projects.
The residents wanted judicial review proceedings relating to the incinerator adjourned, pending the outcome of the EU’s case against Ireland.
Ms O’Leary said groups fighting the incinerator will be pleading with Mr Gormley not to pursue them for costs.
“We should not be punished to bringing this to the attention of the State,” she said.
The minister is due to open a climate change conference in Cork on Friday and is likely to be met with protests.
More than 30,000 people have objected to the planned incinerator, citing health concerns.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The Supreme Court awarded costs to the State and to Indaver against residents of Cork Harbour relating to its decision in July not to adjourn incinerator cases pending a European Court of Justice case against Ireland.
The court said as this appeal had failed, there was no reason for it to depart from the normal practice of requiring the unsuccessful party to be responsible for costs.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and An Bórd Pleanála told the court they are not looking for their costs.
Residents fighting the €75 million incinerator are facing a substantial legal bill, potentially hundreds of thousands of euro.
Labour TD Ciarán Lynch said the decision will have huge financial implications for people around the country “sticking up for their own community”.
“This will undermine the principle of the participation by community groups in public debate and public campaigns,” he said.
Green Party Senator Dan Boyle said he was very unhappy with the decision.
“The State can and should withdraw its demand for costs and I will argue that point to Government,” he said.
Indaver managing director John Ahern said he will not make a decision on the costs until other cases pending have been determined.
“We question the wisdom of the objectors continuing with a case which we believe we will be successful in,” he said.
The Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE) said the Supreme Court decision sent shockwaves through harbour communities.
CHASE chairwoman Mary O’Leary said this would be “an acid test” of Environment Minister John Gormley’s “green credentials”.
“He must ensure that the communities who sought important clarification on a matter of planning law don’t suffer for bringing this to the state’s attention,” she said.
Ms O’Leary and Mr Gormley were among a delegation which travelled to Brussels in spring 2004 to lodge a complaint with the EU about alleged breaches of planning law.
It led to a European Court of Justice case against the State on the grounds of non-compliance with an European Commission (EC) directive on Environmental Impact Assessments on significant projects.
The residents wanted judicial review proceedings relating to the incinerator adjourned, pending the outcome of the EU’s case against Ireland.
Ms O’Leary said groups fighting the incinerator will be pleading with Mr Gormley not to pursue them for costs.
“We should not be punished to bringing this to the attention of the State,” she said.
The minister is due to open a climate change conference in Cork on Friday and is likely to be met with protests.
More than 30,000 people have objected to the planned incinerator, citing health concerns.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Residents could face costs in incinerator case
CORK Harbour residents who lost a legal action this week involving the two proposed incinerators for Ringaskiddy now fear the State will pursue them for legal costs.
The residents had mounted two legal challenges to the hazardous waste incinerators but wanted these challenges adjourned until a related case being taken by the European Commission against Ireland was decided in the European Court of Justice.
On Thursday, however, the Supreme Court rejected the residents’ bid to have their challenges adjourned.
Yesterday, the residents said they had learned that the State was intent on pursuing them for the legal costs of their unsuccessful action.
But Green Party senator Dan Boyle claimed this would be akin to “legal bullying” and called on the State not to chase the residents for costs.
“These individuals have been following an important legal principle that national cases, such as this incinerator case, can be adjourned pending a decision at the European Court of Justice,” he said.
“The Supreme Court has decided that the cases can be heard in parallel and those who have taken this action have accepted this verdict.
“To further seek a pound of flesh by asking for costs from ordinary citizens, known to be without assets and whose actions are motivated only by having the law in this area clarified, amounts to legal bullying.”
But in calling for the State not to pursue costs, Mr Boyle highlighted yet another difficulty for his party caused by the fact the Greens are in Government.
The Environment Minister is Green Party leader John Gormley, whose department is centrally involved in the case. The department said it was unaware yesterday whether a formal decision had been taken to pursue the residents for costs.
But Mr Boyle said, in his personal opinion, “the Green Party in Government cannot be associated with the use of the legal system as a form of intimidation against those whose only motivation is the maintenance of the highest possible standards of environmental protection”.
He said he would raise the issue with Mr Gormley when the minister returns from holiday this month.
“I’m presuming that this is a decision that has been made by the State’s legal officer, in the form of the Attorney General. However, as this is an environmental action, it is also being taken against the minister and the Department of the Environment and I will be calling on the minister to seek not to have these costs pursued.”
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The residents had mounted two legal challenges to the hazardous waste incinerators but wanted these challenges adjourned until a related case being taken by the European Commission against Ireland was decided in the European Court of Justice.
On Thursday, however, the Supreme Court rejected the residents’ bid to have their challenges adjourned.
Yesterday, the residents said they had learned that the State was intent on pursuing them for the legal costs of their unsuccessful action.
But Green Party senator Dan Boyle claimed this would be akin to “legal bullying” and called on the State not to chase the residents for costs.
“These individuals have been following an important legal principle that national cases, such as this incinerator case, can be adjourned pending a decision at the European Court of Justice,” he said.
“The Supreme Court has decided that the cases can be heard in parallel and those who have taken this action have accepted this verdict.
“To further seek a pound of flesh by asking for costs from ordinary citizens, known to be without assets and whose actions are motivated only by having the law in this area clarified, amounts to legal bullying.”
But in calling for the State not to pursue costs, Mr Boyle highlighted yet another difficulty for his party caused by the fact the Greens are in Government.
The Environment Minister is Green Party leader John Gormley, whose department is centrally involved in the case. The department said it was unaware yesterday whether a formal decision had been taken to pursue the residents for costs.
But Mr Boyle said, in his personal opinion, “the Green Party in Government cannot be associated with the use of the legal system as a form of intimidation against those whose only motivation is the maintenance of the highest possible standards of environmental protection”.
He said he would raise the issue with Mr Gormley when the minister returns from holiday this month.
“I’m presuming that this is a decision that has been made by the State’s legal officer, in the form of the Attorney General. However, as this is an environmental action, it is also being taken against the minister and the Department of the Environment and I will be calling on the minister to seek not to have these costs pursued.”
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
State seeking costs in incinerator row
RESIDENTS OF Cork Harbour who object to the proposed development of a €75 million incinerator at Ringaskiddy have accused the State of bullying after moves were made to seek legal costs against them.
Green Party senator Dan Boyle supported their comments and described the State’s intention to pursue costs against individuals who objected to the Ringaskiddy incinerator as “legal bullying”.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court rejected a bid by local residents to further adjourn two legal challenges to the incinerator.
Residents have now learned the State is seeking legal costs for the case, to be assessed in October.
Local environment action group Cork Harbour Area for a Safe Environment (Chase) claim they are following an important legal principle – that national cases such as this can be adjourned pending a decision at the European Court of Justice.
Mary O’Leary, speaking on behalf of Chase, said it appeared they were being punished for seeking good planning policy to be written in to Irish law.
“While we are outraged really . . . this is a point of public interest. This is to ensure that in the future we will have proper planning. It is a form of bullying. It is trying to intimidate communities. We are doing this because we have seen the shortcomings of the planning process . . . it doesn’t deal adequately with health and environment.
“We have never had our questions answered either by An Bord Pleanála or the EPA. The reason why we pursue this is because it is an important legal point.”
The residents wanted the adjournments pending the outcome of a legal action against Ireland in the European Court of Justice. The case is being taken by the European Commission based on its formal view that Ireland failed to transpose properly into Irish law a commission directive relating to the environmental impact assessment of public and private projects, including incinerators.
Mr Boyle said community groups have been following an important legal principle – that national cases can be adjourned pending a decision at the European Court of Justice.
“The Supreme Court has decided that the cases can be heard in parallel, and those who have taken this action have accepted this verdict. To further seek a pound of flesh by asking for costs from ordinary citizens . . . whose actions are motivated only by having the law in this area clarified, amounts to legal bullying. ”
Mr Boyle said the Green Party cannot be associated with the use of the legal system as a form of intimidation against those whose only motivation is the maintenance of the highest possible standards of environmental protection.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Green Party senator Dan Boyle supported their comments and described the State’s intention to pursue costs against individuals who objected to the Ringaskiddy incinerator as “legal bullying”.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court rejected a bid by local residents to further adjourn two legal challenges to the incinerator.
Residents have now learned the State is seeking legal costs for the case, to be assessed in October.
Local environment action group Cork Harbour Area for a Safe Environment (Chase) claim they are following an important legal principle – that national cases such as this can be adjourned pending a decision at the European Court of Justice.
Mary O’Leary, speaking on behalf of Chase, said it appeared they were being punished for seeking good planning policy to be written in to Irish law.
“While we are outraged really . . . this is a point of public interest. This is to ensure that in the future we will have proper planning. It is a form of bullying. It is trying to intimidate communities. We are doing this because we have seen the shortcomings of the planning process . . . it doesn’t deal adequately with health and environment.
“We have never had our questions answered either by An Bord Pleanála or the EPA. The reason why we pursue this is because it is an important legal point.”
The residents wanted the adjournments pending the outcome of a legal action against Ireland in the European Court of Justice. The case is being taken by the European Commission based on its formal view that Ireland failed to transpose properly into Irish law a commission directive relating to the environmental impact assessment of public and private projects, including incinerators.
Mr Boyle said community groups have been following an important legal principle – that national cases can be adjourned pending a decision at the European Court of Justice.
“The Supreme Court has decided that the cases can be heard in parallel, and those who have taken this action have accepted this verdict. To further seek a pound of flesh by asking for costs from ordinary citizens . . . whose actions are motivated only by having the law in this area clarified, amounts to legal bullying. ”
Mr Boyle said the Green Party cannot be associated with the use of the legal system as a form of intimidation against those whose only motivation is the maintenance of the highest possible standards of environmental protection.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 1 August 2008
Indaver ‘a step nearer to building incinerators’
WASTE processor Indaver claims yesterday’s Supreme Court decision has brought it a step closer to building two incinerators in Cork harbour.
Following the ruling, the company said it is hopeful it could clear a High Court challenge by objectors and have the toxic and municipal waste incinerators, worth €150 million, operational in Ringaskiddy by 2013.
About 30,000 objectors, led by Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE), are taking a High Court challenge on the decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant Indaver planning permission.
However, CHASE sought to have the High Court case adjourned, because the European Court is investigating if Ireland has failed to implement strict EU laws on environmental impact assessments. CHASE claims Indaver has failed under these laws to submit a proper health and environmental assessment for the project. The Supreme Court decided yesterday not to grant the adjournment.
“Indaver welcomes the decision as we want it to proceed through the system. We’re now one step nearer. We plan to build both of the incinerators together,” said a company spokeswoman.
She said the company was hopeful the CHASE High Court challenge would be overcome, as had a similar objection to an Indaver’s project for an incinerator in Meath, building of which is to start later this month. “Much of the arguments [to be put forward by CHASE] will be similar. We are hopeful that the Meath decision has set a precedent,” she said.
However, CHASE chairwoman Mary O’Leary remains defiant. “I would not presume to pre-empt a High Court judge’s decision. We don’t need a municipal waste incinerator as Cork County Council will have ample capacity at its Bottlehill landfill for the next 20 to 30 years.”
Indaver wants the toxic waste incinerator to handle up to 100,000 tonnes of hazardous waste per annum.
“That is way over capacity and it could lead to the importation of hazardous waste,” she added
“The toxic waste uncovered on Haulbowline has proved a wake- up call for Cork harbour, and has underlined a situation where the relevant authorities have failed to protect the community and the environment,” said Ms O’Leary.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Following the ruling, the company said it is hopeful it could clear a High Court challenge by objectors and have the toxic and municipal waste incinerators, worth €150 million, operational in Ringaskiddy by 2013.
About 30,000 objectors, led by Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE), are taking a High Court challenge on the decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant Indaver planning permission.
However, CHASE sought to have the High Court case adjourned, because the European Court is investigating if Ireland has failed to implement strict EU laws on environmental impact assessments. CHASE claims Indaver has failed under these laws to submit a proper health and environmental assessment for the project. The Supreme Court decided yesterday not to grant the adjournment.
“Indaver welcomes the decision as we want it to proceed through the system. We’re now one step nearer. We plan to build both of the incinerators together,” said a company spokeswoman.
She said the company was hopeful the CHASE High Court challenge would be overcome, as had a similar objection to an Indaver’s project for an incinerator in Meath, building of which is to start later this month. “Much of the arguments [to be put forward by CHASE] will be similar. We are hopeful that the Meath decision has set a precedent,” she said.
However, CHASE chairwoman Mary O’Leary remains defiant. “I would not presume to pre-empt a High Court judge’s decision. We don’t need a municipal waste incinerator as Cork County Council will have ample capacity at its Bottlehill landfill for the next 20 to 30 years.”
Indaver wants the toxic waste incinerator to handle up to 100,000 tonnes of hazardous waste per annum.
“That is way over capacity and it could lead to the importation of hazardous waste,” she added
“The toxic waste uncovered on Haulbowline has proved a wake- up call for Cork harbour, and has underlined a situation where the relevant authorities have failed to protect the community and the environment,” said Ms O’Leary.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Concern over focus of investigation into Haulbowline site
A SOLICITOR acting for residents of the Cork Harbour area has expressed concern about the focus of a report commissioned by the Department of the Environment into the remediation of the former Irish Steel plant at Haulbowline Island.
Joe Noonan, who advised Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment, said the 2005 report by consultants White Young Green for the department seemed very focused on possible uses for the site rather than the immediate risk it poses to health.
“The report seems to have a very limited purpose. Rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of its current impact on health and the environment across the site, it seems very focused on assessing its impact on future developments,” he said.
White Young Green divided the 20-hectare site into two parts for examination – the main steel plant adjacent to the naval base and the East Tip, which had been built up over decades by dumping slag from the plant on the foreshore.
However, the examination was confined to areas outside the steelworks buildings, resulting in some 50 per cent of the main steelworks site being excluded from the investigation, which involved sampling of soil, groundwater and marine sediment.
The consultants assessed each part of the site for elements like arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel and dioxins and for possible future use including residential, public open space and commercial/industrial.
They concluded that there was a moderate risk to human health and environmental receptors in the event of a residential or open public space use, while they assessed the risk as low to moderate if the site was remediated for commercial/industrial use.
“It is considered that the most feasible development solution from an economic and technical view would be a commercial/industrial use for the main site and a public open space use for the East Tip,” it states.
The authors recommend capping the East Tip area using standard earth layer and high-density polythene. They estimate the cost of the capping work at €7.52 million.
They also recommend further investigation in areas not investigated such as under building slabs, more testing for dioxins in the East Tip area and asbestos in the built-up area of the main site as well as further tests for landfill gases such as methane. However, Mr Noonan said the fact that 50 per cent of the site was not investigated was a cause for concern, while he also questioned what the department had done to implement the recommendations.
“The consultants acknowledge the limitations of their initial investigation and recommended further site investigation,” he said. “This report was completed in 2005 and yet none of these recommendations have been acted upon.” Fine Gael spokesman on health Dr James Reilly warned that the Government would expose the State to litigation if it failed to order an immediate independent health impact assessment of the site.
Meanwhile, Cork Labour TD Ciarán Lynch has written to Minister for the Environment John Gormley seeking clarification on suggestions that tens of thousands of tonnes of potentially toxic material may have been removed from Haulbowline to be used in the construction of roads.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Joe Noonan, who advised Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment, said the 2005 report by consultants White Young Green for the department seemed very focused on possible uses for the site rather than the immediate risk it poses to health.
“The report seems to have a very limited purpose. Rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of its current impact on health and the environment across the site, it seems very focused on assessing its impact on future developments,” he said.
White Young Green divided the 20-hectare site into two parts for examination – the main steel plant adjacent to the naval base and the East Tip, which had been built up over decades by dumping slag from the plant on the foreshore.
However, the examination was confined to areas outside the steelworks buildings, resulting in some 50 per cent of the main steelworks site being excluded from the investigation, which involved sampling of soil, groundwater and marine sediment.
The consultants assessed each part of the site for elements like arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel and dioxins and for possible future use including residential, public open space and commercial/industrial.
They concluded that there was a moderate risk to human health and environmental receptors in the event of a residential or open public space use, while they assessed the risk as low to moderate if the site was remediated for commercial/industrial use.
“It is considered that the most feasible development solution from an economic and technical view would be a commercial/industrial use for the main site and a public open space use for the East Tip,” it states.
The authors recommend capping the East Tip area using standard earth layer and high-density polythene. They estimate the cost of the capping work at €7.52 million.
They also recommend further investigation in areas not investigated such as under building slabs, more testing for dioxins in the East Tip area and asbestos in the built-up area of the main site as well as further tests for landfill gases such as methane. However, Mr Noonan said the fact that 50 per cent of the site was not investigated was a cause for concern, while he also questioned what the department had done to implement the recommendations.
“The consultants acknowledge the limitations of their initial investigation and recommended further site investigation,” he said. “This report was completed in 2005 and yet none of these recommendations have been acted upon.” Fine Gael spokesman on health Dr James Reilly warned that the Government would expose the State to litigation if it failed to order an immediate independent health impact assessment of the site.
Meanwhile, Cork Labour TD Ciarán Lynch has written to Minister for the Environment John Gormley seeking clarification on suggestions that tens of thousands of tonnes of potentially toxic material may have been removed from Haulbowline to be used in the construction of roads.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Get answers about toxic waste, Brockovich urges
ERIN Brockovich, the environmental campaigner who successfully challenged one of America's biggest companies and inspired a Hollywood movie, has urged an Irish community to demand answers about toxic waste dumping.
Ms Brockovich extended her support to the Cork harbour community amid mounting fears over the long-term environmental and health implications of toxic waste dumped at Haulbowline Island.
Her comments came as it emerged one of the substances at the centre of the Haulbowline Island scare is Chromium 6 -- the very same carcinogen involved in the case Ms Brockovich successfully fought in California. That case inspired the smash-hit Hollywood film 'Erin Brockovich' which earned Julia Roberts an Academy Award.
It is now feared that up to 500,000 tonnes of toxic waste could be stored on the Cork Harbour island which for 50 years was home to Ireland's only steel mill.
Yesterday, the US environmental campaigner urged Cork harbour communities to report anything unusual and to demand detailed answers.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions if you see something alarming and don't be afraid to report it," she said.
"If the water is turning a funny colour, if there is a lot of dust, if you are having respiratory problems -- be vigilant," she warned. Ms Brockovich stressed that it was now vital that other groups come to the assistance of the Cork harbour residents -- particularly in relation to health and environmental monitoring.
"I would certainly hope that environmental groups will rally to come out there to get some testing done. I would clearly take a look at any water contamination that is occurring," she told Cork radio station, Red FM.
Dust
"On windy days observe any blown dust -- and I would encourage the community out there to stay after the Government or the company to give them some answers about how much Chromium 6 there is," she said.
Environment Minister John Gormley has been challenged to confirm precisely what will be done with the estimated 500,000 tonnes of toxic waste at the former Irish Steel/Irish Ispat site. Mr Gormley has angrily rejected claims that there was any attempted "cover up" of the Haulbowline toxic waste issue.
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Ms Brockovich extended her support to the Cork harbour community amid mounting fears over the long-term environmental and health implications of toxic waste dumped at Haulbowline Island.
Her comments came as it emerged one of the substances at the centre of the Haulbowline Island scare is Chromium 6 -- the very same carcinogen involved in the case Ms Brockovich successfully fought in California. That case inspired the smash-hit Hollywood film 'Erin Brockovich' which earned Julia Roberts an Academy Award.
It is now feared that up to 500,000 tonnes of toxic waste could be stored on the Cork Harbour island which for 50 years was home to Ireland's only steel mill.
Yesterday, the US environmental campaigner urged Cork harbour communities to report anything unusual and to demand detailed answers.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions if you see something alarming and don't be afraid to report it," she said.
"If the water is turning a funny colour, if there is a lot of dust, if you are having respiratory problems -- be vigilant," she warned. Ms Brockovich stressed that it was now vital that other groups come to the assistance of the Cork harbour residents -- particularly in relation to health and environmental monitoring.
"I would certainly hope that environmental groups will rally to come out there to get some testing done. I would clearly take a look at any water contamination that is occurring," she told Cork radio station, Red FM.
Dust
"On windy days observe any blown dust -- and I would encourage the community out there to stay after the Government or the company to give them some answers about how much Chromium 6 there is," she said.
Environment Minister John Gormley has been challenged to confirm precisely what will be done with the estimated 500,000 tonnes of toxic waste at the former Irish Steel/Irish Ispat site. Mr Gormley has angrily rejected claims that there was any attempted "cover up" of the Haulbowline toxic waste issue.
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Harbour residents to meet Gormley tonight
THE Minister for the Environment will meet residents of Cork harbour tonight to discuss the Haulbowline toxic dump scandal.
John Gormley and Cork Green party Senator Dan Boyle are expected to reassure residents that they are doing everything they can to address the situation.
Audrey Hogan and Kate Corcoran will represent the people of Ringaskiddy, while Mary Herlihy and Frank Kelleher of the Cobh Action for Clean Air campaign group will represent the townspeople of Cobh.
The residents will be accompanied by solicitor Joe Noonan, who has vast experience in environmental and planning law.
Mr Noonan represents harbour residents fighting the Indaver incinerator project, and he also represented the group which successfully opposed the Port of Cork’s super terminal proposal for Ringaskiddy.
The meeting will take place in Leinster House. Residents met last night for a final examination of the documents and reports which laid bare the vast scale and extent of dumping on Haulbowline Island revealed by the Irish Examiner last week.
“We always knew there was a mess on Haulbowline but we didn’t know the full extent until last week,” said Ms Hogan.
“I’ve only had a brief look through the reports but one thing that stuck out was the high levels of arsenic down there. The devil is always in the detail, as they say.
“People have known for years that the site is dirty but they never realised the extent of it.
“People would say: ‘Did you ever notice the slag heaps — nothing ever grows on them.’ Even a rock would have moss on it, but nothing ever grew on those slag heaps.”
Ms Hogan said residents don’t want to hear about contractual disputes between the department and contractors or subcontractors working on the island.
“That is irrelevant. We’re not saying this mess is the minister’s fault but it’s something he can fix,” she said.
But she expressed concern that as the recession hits, the Government will not come up with the estimated €300 million needed to fully clean the former steel works site.
Letters from Senator Boyle were dropped through doors in the Ringaskiddy area yesterday assuring residents that the Green Party is committed to dealing with the toxic site.
Meanwhile, Erin Brockovich is due to visit Dublin in September and it is hoped that she may visit Cork.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
John Gormley and Cork Green party Senator Dan Boyle are expected to reassure residents that they are doing everything they can to address the situation.
Audrey Hogan and Kate Corcoran will represent the people of Ringaskiddy, while Mary Herlihy and Frank Kelleher of the Cobh Action for Clean Air campaign group will represent the townspeople of Cobh.
The residents will be accompanied by solicitor Joe Noonan, who has vast experience in environmental and planning law.
Mr Noonan represents harbour residents fighting the Indaver incinerator project, and he also represented the group which successfully opposed the Port of Cork’s super terminal proposal for Ringaskiddy.
The meeting will take place in Leinster House. Residents met last night for a final examination of the documents and reports which laid bare the vast scale and extent of dumping on Haulbowline Island revealed by the Irish Examiner last week.
“We always knew there was a mess on Haulbowline but we didn’t know the full extent until last week,” said Ms Hogan.
“I’ve only had a brief look through the reports but one thing that stuck out was the high levels of arsenic down there. The devil is always in the detail, as they say.
“People have known for years that the site is dirty but they never realised the extent of it.
“People would say: ‘Did you ever notice the slag heaps — nothing ever grows on them.’ Even a rock would have moss on it, but nothing ever grew on those slag heaps.”
Ms Hogan said residents don’t want to hear about contractual disputes between the department and contractors or subcontractors working on the island.
“That is irrelevant. We’re not saying this mess is the minister’s fault but it’s something he can fix,” she said.
But she expressed concern that as the recession hits, the Government will not come up with the estimated €300 million needed to fully clean the former steel works site.
Letters from Senator Boyle were dropped through doors in the Ringaskiddy area yesterday assuring residents that the Green Party is committed to dealing with the toxic site.
Meanwhile, Erin Brockovich is due to visit Dublin in September and it is hoped that she may visit Cork.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Cork Harbour Integrated Management Strategy launched
A new approach to coastal management in Cork Harbour was unveiled by Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs, when he launched a new Management Strategy for the Harbour in Cobh, Co. Cork.
Cork Harbour is a unique resource and presents very real management challenges associated with, for example, flooding, water quality, industrial expansion, environmental protection, marina development and recreational usage. This Strategy is based on a voluntary partnership between key management agencies and local stakeholders - including Port of Cork, Irish Naval Service, Local Authorities, Government Departments, Chamber of Commerce, Fáilte Ireland, community development agencies and the IDA.
The aim of the Strategy is to bring all those involved in the development, management and use of Cork Harbour together in a framework which encourages the integration of their interests and responsibilities to achieve common objectives in a sustainable manner. Development of the Strategy - and its subsequent implementation - will put Cork Harbour at the forefront of coastal management practice in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Martin said - “What is significant about this Strategy is that it is endeavouring to pull all the strands together - and, I think if we were honest, we were fragmented in the past in terms of approaching development of the Harbour.”
The Minister referred to the dramatic changes of what were iconic industrial features of the Harbour in recent times, with the closure of ISPAT and IFI. "I take up the point that the Strategy represents a historic opportunity to realise a different future of Cork Harbour, which integrates the different functions of the Harbour. As a Government Minister, I wish to both promote and profile Cork Harbour as being the centre for education, training and research in relation to all things maritime” - he added.
The Strategy is the culmination of over three years work, co-ordinated by the Coastal & Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork and the Planning Policy Unit in Cork County Council, as part of an EU Interreg Project - COREPOINT (Coastal Research & Policy Integration).
Commenting on the launch, Jeremy Gault, Deputy Director CMRC & Corepoint Project Manager, expressed his delight that the Minister for Foreign Affairs had agreed to launch the Strategy, which is of relevance to anyone with an interest in the sustainable management of Cork Harbour.
He said - "Producing the strategy has been an exhausting - but worthwhile - task that would not have been possible without the support of the joint co-ordinators of the Planning Policy Unit of Cork County Council." He paid tribute to the members of the Cork Harbour Forum and the Strategic Advisory Group for their time, energy and commitment in bringing this Management Strategy to fruition.
In addition to the Strategy, an Action Plan will be developed for the period 2008 to 2011, based on priorities identified from the Strategy document. This will form the next step in the implementation process and funding has already been secured to facilitate this through an additional EU project.
www.buckplanning.ie
Cork Harbour is a unique resource and presents very real management challenges associated with, for example, flooding, water quality, industrial expansion, environmental protection, marina development and recreational usage. This Strategy is based on a voluntary partnership between key management agencies and local stakeholders - including Port of Cork, Irish Naval Service, Local Authorities, Government Departments, Chamber of Commerce, Fáilte Ireland, community development agencies and the IDA.
The aim of the Strategy is to bring all those involved in the development, management and use of Cork Harbour together in a framework which encourages the integration of their interests and responsibilities to achieve common objectives in a sustainable manner. Development of the Strategy - and its subsequent implementation - will put Cork Harbour at the forefront of coastal management practice in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Martin said - “What is significant about this Strategy is that it is endeavouring to pull all the strands together - and, I think if we were honest, we were fragmented in the past in terms of approaching development of the Harbour.”
The Minister referred to the dramatic changes of what were iconic industrial features of the Harbour in recent times, with the closure of ISPAT and IFI. "I take up the point that the Strategy represents a historic opportunity to realise a different future of Cork Harbour, which integrates the different functions of the Harbour. As a Government Minister, I wish to both promote and profile Cork Harbour as being the centre for education, training and research in relation to all things maritime” - he added.
The Strategy is the culmination of over three years work, co-ordinated by the Coastal & Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork and the Planning Policy Unit in Cork County Council, as part of an EU Interreg Project - COREPOINT (Coastal Research & Policy Integration).
Commenting on the launch, Jeremy Gault, Deputy Director CMRC & Corepoint Project Manager, expressed his delight that the Minister for Foreign Affairs had agreed to launch the Strategy, which is of relevance to anyone with an interest in the sustainable management of Cork Harbour.
He said - "Producing the strategy has been an exhausting - but worthwhile - task that would not have been possible without the support of the joint co-ordinators of the Planning Policy Unit of Cork County Council." He paid tribute to the members of the Cork Harbour Forum and the Strategic Advisory Group for their time, energy and commitment in bringing this Management Strategy to fruition.
In addition to the Strategy, an Action Plan will be developed for the period 2008 to 2011, based on priorities identified from the Strategy document. This will form the next step in the implementation process and funding has already been secured to facilitate this through an additional EU project.
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Cork €226m harbor project may cause floods
BUILDING a container terminal in Cork Harbour could increase the city's risk of flooding, an expert warned yesterday.
Hydrogeologist Shane Bennett told a Bord Pleanála hearing that if the €226m project is built at Oyster Bank in Ringaskiddy, water levels upstream will rise.
Port of Cork experts dispute this but Mr Bennett said that he disagrees with their evidence.
He said infill work to build the terminal would affect underwater channels which govern complex tidal and eddy flows in and out of the harbour.
The flow of water out of the harbour would be impeded, resulting in higher water levels closer to the city, he said.
Higher water levels, when combined with spring tides and south-easterly storm surges upriver, could put the city's docklands area, which is built on an urban polder, at risk of flooding.
The flood waters could flow up to two kilometres inland, he added.
Eoin English
Irish Examiner
Hydrogeologist Shane Bennett told a Bord Pleanála hearing that if the €226m project is built at Oyster Bank in Ringaskiddy, water levels upstream will rise.
Port of Cork experts dispute this but Mr Bennett said that he disagrees with their evidence.
He said infill work to build the terminal would affect underwater channels which govern complex tidal and eddy flows in and out of the harbour.
The flow of water out of the harbour would be impeded, resulting in higher water levels closer to the city, he said.
Higher water levels, when combined with spring tides and south-easterly storm surges upriver, could put the city's docklands area, which is built on an urban polder, at risk of flooding.
The flood waters could flow up to two kilometres inland, he added.
Eoin English
Irish Examiner
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Clean-up of Cork asbestos dump 30 years after protests to cost taxpayer €1m
THE taxpayer will foot a €1 million-plus bill to clean up a 30-year-old asbestos dump in Cork harbour.
The 1.4-hectare dump site at Barnahely in Ringaskiddy sparked a bitter environmental protest when it opened in 1978. It was shut down two years later.
The operation to remove almost 800 tonnes of hazardous material will start within two weeks and is expected to take about 10 weeks to complete. The material will be shipped to Germany for disposal.
The opposition halted dumping and forced the closure of the site in 1980.
The confrontations cost the company an estimated £1 million.
Raybestos officials arrived in Cork in October 1980 to announce their decision to close the plant in November of that year with the loss of all 130 jobs.
Campaigners have called for several years for the dump to be cleaned up.
The IDA has confirmed the operation will begin within two weeks.
The board of the IDA has decided the safest option is to remove all the material and restore the site to its pre-landfill condition, said Brian Conroy, the IDA's southern director. It will be removed under controlled conditions, sealed inside special containers and shipped to a waste facility near Hanover in Germany, he said. "We have a team of specialist contractors on board and independent health and safety experts to monitor the operation. And there will be 24-hour security on site."
IDA officials have called to 60 homes close to the site to inform residents of the operation and communication will be ongoing.
There are no specific plans for the site but it could have future industrial uses, Mr Conroy said.
Labour TD Ciarán Lynch said the operation would resolve one of Cork's most contentious environmental issues.
"I am calling on the IDA to ensure every health and safety procedure is in place during the excavation period," he said.
Local Fine Gael county councillor, Tim Lombard, said the clean-up would be done to the highest safety standards.
Eoin English
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The 1.4-hectare dump site at Barnahely in Ringaskiddy sparked a bitter environmental protest when it opened in 1978. It was shut down two years later.
The operation to remove almost 800 tonnes of hazardous material will start within two weeks and is expected to take about 10 weeks to complete. The material will be shipped to Germany for disposal.
The opposition halted dumping and forced the closure of the site in 1980.
The confrontations cost the company an estimated £1 million.
Raybestos officials arrived in Cork in October 1980 to announce their decision to close the plant in November of that year with the loss of all 130 jobs.
Campaigners have called for several years for the dump to be cleaned up.
The IDA has confirmed the operation will begin within two weeks.
The board of the IDA has decided the safest option is to remove all the material and restore the site to its pre-landfill condition, said Brian Conroy, the IDA's southern director. It will be removed under controlled conditions, sealed inside special containers and shipped to a waste facility near Hanover in Germany, he said. "We have a team of specialist contractors on board and independent health and safety experts to monitor the operation. And there will be 24-hour security on site."
IDA officials have called to 60 homes close to the site to inform residents of the operation and communication will be ongoing.
There are no specific plans for the site but it could have future industrial uses, Mr Conroy said.
Labour TD Ciarán Lynch said the operation would resolve one of Cork's most contentious environmental issues.
"I am calling on the IDA to ensure every health and safety procedure is in place during the excavation period," he said.
Local Fine Gael county councillor, Tim Lombard, said the clean-up would be done to the highest safety standards.
Eoin English
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Harbour plan ‘will not hit prices’
PLANS to develop a €226m container terminal in Cork Harbour will not damage its sailing pursuits or property prices, an oral hearing was told yesterday.
Port of Cork commercial manager Michael McCarthy said the company’s proposed project at Oyster Bank in Ringaskiddy could add to the harbour’s attractions.
“Cork Harbour has enormous potential for marine-based leisure tourism over a vast expanse of water and I firmly believe the co-existence of the commercial and leisure mix and the arrival, departure and berthing of vessels offers a unique attraction into our beautiful harbour and will contribute to its overall tourist attractiveness,” he said.
Mr McCarthy made his comments during his submission to day three of the Bord Pleanála oral hearing. He said the harbour has become internationally known for its successful “leisure-commercial” mix.
“This ‘mix’ is common in many ports throughout the world and is similar to the Port of Southampton’s Solent Waterway, which is a cruise, commercial, leisure port,” he said.
Apart from a collision between a ship and a yacht 10 years ago, there has never been a serious accident, he said.
Harbour master Captain Pat Farnan said the harbour is big enough to accommodate commercial and leisure craft. Since 2003, there have been just six complaints, primarily on the effects of wash from passing vessels, he said.
But he acknowledged the Oyster Bank development will lead to a loss of sailing area for members of Monkstown Bay Sailing Club. Cruisers can take other routes, he said.
Raymond Holbeach of RPS Planning and Environment said cranes used in the container port’s construction, and stacks of containers, as well as moving cranes and ship movements post construction, would provide the greatest visual impact.
However, he admitted following a request from Cork County Council, his firm provided eight extra photomontages showing how the project would look from areas around the lower harbour, which were handed in to the hearing yesterday.
Property expert Frank Ryan, the managing director of DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald, Cork, said he did not think the proposed project would change peoples’ perceptions of property in Ringaskiddy, Monkstown, Black Point (Rushbrook) and Cobh.
He said the lower harbour is an established location for industrial uses and there is a market perception that it will be a more important venue for employment and maritime uses for the future.
He said he was unaware of any market evidence that port activity had any effect on the value of properties in those areas.
“We rebut the suggestion that more remote residential locations from the proposed Ringaskiddy facility will exhibit a discount in market values arising from the proposed development,” he said.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Port of Cork commercial manager Michael McCarthy said the company’s proposed project at Oyster Bank in Ringaskiddy could add to the harbour’s attractions.
“Cork Harbour has enormous potential for marine-based leisure tourism over a vast expanse of water and I firmly believe the co-existence of the commercial and leisure mix and the arrival, departure and berthing of vessels offers a unique attraction into our beautiful harbour and will contribute to its overall tourist attractiveness,” he said.
Mr McCarthy made his comments during his submission to day three of the Bord Pleanála oral hearing. He said the harbour has become internationally known for its successful “leisure-commercial” mix.
“This ‘mix’ is common in many ports throughout the world and is similar to the Port of Southampton’s Solent Waterway, which is a cruise, commercial, leisure port,” he said.
Apart from a collision between a ship and a yacht 10 years ago, there has never been a serious accident, he said.
Harbour master Captain Pat Farnan said the harbour is big enough to accommodate commercial and leisure craft. Since 2003, there have been just six complaints, primarily on the effects of wash from passing vessels, he said.
But he acknowledged the Oyster Bank development will lead to a loss of sailing area for members of Monkstown Bay Sailing Club. Cruisers can take other routes, he said.
Raymond Holbeach of RPS Planning and Environment said cranes used in the container port’s construction, and stacks of containers, as well as moving cranes and ship movements post construction, would provide the greatest visual impact.
However, he admitted following a request from Cork County Council, his firm provided eight extra photomontages showing how the project would look from areas around the lower harbour, which were handed in to the hearing yesterday.
Property expert Frank Ryan, the managing director of DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald, Cork, said he did not think the proposed project would change peoples’ perceptions of property in Ringaskiddy, Monkstown, Black Point (Rushbrook) and Cobh.
He said the lower harbour is an established location for industrial uses and there is a market perception that it will be a more important venue for employment and maritime uses for the future.
He said he was unaware of any market evidence that port activity had any effect on the value of properties in those areas.
“We rebut the suggestion that more remote residential locations from the proposed Ringaskiddy facility will exhibit a discount in market values arising from the proposed development,” he said.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
Port of Cork faces legal action over terminal plan
THE Port of Cork has been threatened with legal action in the European courts over its plans for a multi-million euro container terminal in the lower harbour.
The port is planning to move its container port operations at Tivoli to a new, larger site at Oyster Bank in Ringaskiddy.
But several local groups representing lower harbour residents and sailing clubs have combined to criticise the project.
They have cited concerns about noise and visual impact and said the lower harbour’s valuable sailing amenity would be lost if the project goes ahead.
They also claimed the project is now almost twice the size of what was first proposed.
Passage West town councillor Marcia D’Alton said the port’s plan could not be seen to support the Cork Area Strategic Plan’s visions for tourism and amenity development in Cork Harbour. She said residents are due to examine the project’s environmental impact study soon and would then decide their next course of action.
But she confirmed that depending on the outcome of the planning process, residents are considering mounting a legal challenge through the EU courts.
The €160 million project will involve the reclamation of 18 hectares of land to a distance of almost half a kilometre from the existing Ringaskiddy shoreline.
The port company plans to erect four 70-metre cranes along the water’s edge and store hundreds of containers in five-high banks on the new site.
The new terminal,together with a multi-purpose roll-on/roll-off berth, will be able to handle twice the volume of its Tivoli terminal, which is fast reaching capacity.
Work is expected to be carried out in two phases. Phase one will cater for 300,000 container units, while phase two will complete the facility allowing it to cater for 600,000 units.
The port’s planning application, which is due soon, will be dealt with by the State’s Strategic Infrastructure Bill, designed to fast-track major infrastructural projects.
Representatives from Monkstown District Residents’ Association, Monkstown Amenity Association, Monkstown Bay Sailing Club, the Cork Harbour Environmental Protection Agency and Rushbrooke Residents joined forces at a public meeting last week to criticise plans of port representatives and their consultants RPS.
Cork Harbour Environmental Protection Agency representative Charles Hennessey said residents who had been supportive of the port’s plans were dismayed that the scale of the project was twice what was originally committed to.
Monkstown Bay Sailing Club spokesman Dion Barrett said his members have grave concern for the future of sailing in Monkstown Bay if the project goes ahead.
Rushbrooke resident Bobby Kahn, who lives across the harbour from the proposed site, said high noise levels already carry across the water.
The new container terminal would be twice as close to residential areas because of the huge area of reclamation proposed, he said.
The meeting was told that Blackrock residents living across the water from the Tivoli terminal compound and Tivoli residents have complained about noise coming from that compound.
Residents said given the fact that the Ringaskiddy compound would be twice the size of the Tivoli compound, they would expect twice the nuisance.
The meeting also heard that accidents, such as the dropping of a container, would not be subject to statutory noise limitations.
Irish Examiner
The port is planning to move its container port operations at Tivoli to a new, larger site at Oyster Bank in Ringaskiddy.
But several local groups representing lower harbour residents and sailing clubs have combined to criticise the project.
They have cited concerns about noise and visual impact and said the lower harbour’s valuable sailing amenity would be lost if the project goes ahead.
They also claimed the project is now almost twice the size of what was first proposed.
Passage West town councillor Marcia D’Alton said the port’s plan could not be seen to support the Cork Area Strategic Plan’s visions for tourism and amenity development in Cork Harbour. She said residents are due to examine the project’s environmental impact study soon and would then decide their next course of action.
But she confirmed that depending on the outcome of the planning process, residents are considering mounting a legal challenge through the EU courts.
The €160 million project will involve the reclamation of 18 hectares of land to a distance of almost half a kilometre from the existing Ringaskiddy shoreline.
The port company plans to erect four 70-metre cranes along the water’s edge and store hundreds of containers in five-high banks on the new site.
The new terminal,together with a multi-purpose roll-on/roll-off berth, will be able to handle twice the volume of its Tivoli terminal, which is fast reaching capacity.
Work is expected to be carried out in two phases. Phase one will cater for 300,000 container units, while phase two will complete the facility allowing it to cater for 600,000 units.
The port’s planning application, which is due soon, will be dealt with by the State’s Strategic Infrastructure Bill, designed to fast-track major infrastructural projects.
Representatives from Monkstown District Residents’ Association, Monkstown Amenity Association, Monkstown Bay Sailing Club, the Cork Harbour Environmental Protection Agency and Rushbrooke Residents joined forces at a public meeting last week to criticise plans of port representatives and their consultants RPS.
Cork Harbour Environmental Protection Agency representative Charles Hennessey said residents who had been supportive of the port’s plans were dismayed that the scale of the project was twice what was originally committed to.
Monkstown Bay Sailing Club spokesman Dion Barrett said his members have grave concern for the future of sailing in Monkstown Bay if the project goes ahead.
Rushbrooke resident Bobby Kahn, who lives across the harbour from the proposed site, said high noise levels already carry across the water.
The new container terminal would be twice as close to residential areas because of the huge area of reclamation proposed, he said.
The meeting was told that Blackrock residents living across the water from the Tivoli terminal compound and Tivoli residents have complained about noise coming from that compound.
Residents said given the fact that the Ringaskiddy compound would be twice the size of the Tivoli compound, they would expect twice the nuisance.
The meeting also heard that accidents, such as the dropping of a container, would not be subject to statutory noise limitations.
Irish Examiner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)