Residents' delight as super-port rejected
AN Bord Pleanala (ABP) has rejected a proposed €160m new 'super port' for Cork.
The planning body rejected a blueprint under which Cork's main port operations would transfer from Tivoli and the upper harbour to a state-of-the-art new development at Ringaskiddy.
In delivering its ruling, ABP cited two key factors -- the lack of a rail-link for freight and the inability of the Cork road network to handle the resultant traffic increase.
Cork community and environmental groups last night hailed the ABP ruling as "a David versus Goliath victory".
Cork Harbour Environmental Protection Association (CHEPA) hailed the decision as "a landmark victory for the environment and local quality of life".
CHEPA paid tribute to ABP for recognising the validity of the objections of Cork harbour residents to the proposed super-port.
Last night, the Port of Cork admitted it was "surprised and very disappointed" with the ABP ruling.
Port of Cork chief executive, Brendan Keating, said they would now consider the ruling and what options are now available.
"We are very disappointed that the arguments which we advanced were not accepted by the bord. We accept and respect the determination by the ABP," the port official said.
A total of 50 objectors made submissions against the port.
- Ralph Riegel
