Port of Cork’s Belvelly facility consults on new site masterplan

The masterplan sets out the strategic approach of Belvelly Marino Development Company, and is a guide to the future development of Belvelly port facility. The aim of the masterplan is to create a framework for the proposed on-going industrial development of the site, while creating a high quality workplace environment for the future workforce population.

Henry Kingston, Port Engineering Manager at the Port of Cork, said: “A lot of work has been going on in the background since we jointly purchased the Belvelly port facility in 2017, and we are delighted today to consult with residents, local representatives and other stakeholders on the masterplan for the site. The masterplan will act as a guide to both decision making and the phasing of any proposed developments to ensure the most appropriate fit for existing infrastructure and services and we welcome the views and input from stakeholders as we move forward to enabling works and the environmental clean-up of the site.”

It is envisaged that Marino Point will be developed to accommodate a range of industrial and port related activities and could become a dynamic industrial hub for the area, thus creating employment.

As part of the Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework, one of the key future growth enablers for Cork is to deliver large scale regeneration projects for the provision of new employment and supporting infrastructure in Cork Docklands, as integrated, sustainable developments, including relocation of sites from the City Docks. Belvelly port facility has been identified to enable this type of growth.

The opportunity to optimise the rail connection on the site will be a focus going forward and the Port of Cork is committed to seeking out suitable port users/customers, which could potentially use the rail connection to transport their goods.

Kingston continued: “The potential uses of the site vary and could be anything from dry, break or liquid bulk cargo, bio energy, general industry and even tourism. As a key stakeholder in Belvelly port facility, the masterplan will allow the Port of Cork to plan for future growth and prepare for variations in trade, import and export of goods to and from Ireland and through Cork in particular. It will also facilitate the expansion and transfer of port facilities from the Cork City Docklands and is part of the long term vision for the Port of Cork.”

Port master planning is in line with international best practice generally and is consistent with policy to improve integrated planning for all modes of transport. The National Ports Policy recognises strongly the desirability of this process for the long-term planning of all Port of National significance (Tier 1 and 2).

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/06092019/port-of-corks-belvelly-facility-consults-on-new-site-masterplan/