Liadh welcomes granting of planning permission for Cork Port Development

Speaking from Cork today Liadh Ní Riada welcomed the granting of planning permission to the Cork Port Community to develop the existing facilities in Ringaskiddy.

“I met with the management of Port of Cork company a number of times over the last few months, and I was impressed by their strategic vision. I was glad to have the opportunity to meet a delegation from the port authority in Brussels recently to discuss their bid for funding under the Connecting Europe Programme. An expanded port facility at Ringaskiddy would serve Cork and the greater Southern region well, and is of strategic importance for the whole of Ireland.

“Expansion at Ringaskiddy will mean greater capacity, opening trade to larger vessels and supporting economic growth. The development will create in the order of 600 – 700 construction jobs, and make Cork part of a global trade network, and a significant European logistics hub.

“I am happy to add my backing to the port authority’s bid for a significant investment of some €11 million to begin expansion at the Ringaskiddy site and will work with the authority and stakeholders to secure this vital funding. I will meet with representatives of the Port Company in Brussels next week to discuss this bid and work to secure this vital infrastructure funding.

“I am aware of the concerns of residents in the Ringaskiddy area, and I would counsel the Port of Cork to engage with residents and to work to address their concerns. The planned expansion must take account of and avoid negative social and environmental impacts.”