Re: Re: Limerick Docklands ~ Ted Russell Docks
Ports Policy Review Invitation to make submissions (29th of October 2010)
The Department of Transport is currently undertaking a review of national ports policy. As part of thisreview interested parties are invited to make a submission to the Department.
National ports policy was outlined for the first time in a single document in the Ports Policy Statement published in 2005. The Department has prepared a consultation document, which provides a summary of the main elements of the Ports Policy Statement and an update on progress since then. The consultation document also provides commentary on current and expected challenges within the sector and poses a number of questions on current and future policy direction.
The consultation document is available to view at link
Ports and urban development
While the international trend toward ports moving downstream out of city centre locations is evident for many years in Ireland, many Irish ports are still located at strategically important waterfront city centre sites. There are numerous examples around the world of dockland sites being successfully redeveloped, the Dublin docklands being the most noteworthy example in Ireland. Various proposals have also been put forward for the development of other dockland sites in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Drogheda and Waterford. Proposals have also been put forward for alternative uses for Dublin Port’s estate.
While the current state of the property market has impacted on any such proposals, these sites present important opportunities for urban development and regeneration for the future. Such developments can provide a win-win situation for both the ports and the cities involved, by freeing up important sites for regeneration, whilst at the same time helping to fund new more modern port facilities within the region. From a ports policy perspective it is important that the need to provide replacement port capacity is taken account of as part of any dockland development plans. The ports need to work closely with all stakeholders in this regard, in particular the planning authorities, port users and local communities.
QuestionsQ.23 Is there a case for amalgamation of some ports in light of issues such as the economic climate and recent enhancement of the road network?
Q.24 Is there a case for closure of some ports?
The Shannon Foynes Port Company was the result of an amalgamation and they have already made a failed closure attempt of the Limerick Port. So will we see it been reviewed again for closure?
