Port Watch
Monkstown
Co Cork
An Taoiseach Micheal Martin T.D.
cc. Simon Coveney T.D; Michael McGrath T.D
28/05/2021
Subject: Port of Cork Ringaskiddy
Dear Sirs
This is a letter for your attention and information on Port Watch
The purpose of the Port Watch group is to monitor the operations of all port activities in Cork Harbour including shipping, storage and cargo handling. We are specifically concentrating on the impact /risk of such activities on the environment and the quality of life in the surrounding communities.
Having observed the operation at Port of Cork (POC) in Ringaskiddy for the last 15 years, we are not assured that the operations are run in a manner that respects the environment or the inhabitants of the neighbouring communities.
When the IAWS fire occurred on January 6th, 2021, it evidenced
# the lack of regard for the local communities
# the non-existent communications with the local communities
# disregard for the risks to the health, safety and welfare of the local communities.
It was decided by a few that something had to be done to hold the relevant authorities to account
Thus, PORT WATCH was formed
Port watch represents the interests of any harbour community affected by port operations, Ringaskiddy, Monkstown and Passage West.
The existing port operations in Ringaskiddy predate the planning laws. Since its formation, Port Watch has documented several incidents relating to excessive noise, dust pollution and out of hours operation at Ringaskiddy and has made many formal complaints to the Port of Cork regarding these.
Port of Cork has admitted that the noise levels can be and are regularly excessive. We have also discussed the ongoing issue of excessive dust with them. While Port Watch is continuing to liaise with Port of Cork, we feel strongly that these matters are not being treated as urgently or seriously as they should be.
Unlike the existing operation, the new container facility at Ringaskiddy was granted planning permission by A Board Planula subject to several strict conditions. Concerned that this new container facility is due to commence operations in the next few weeks Port Watch has written twice to the planning department of Cork Count y Council seeking confirmation as to how these conditions will be complied with. To date, we have not received a response.
Specifically, Port Watch has requested
# Confirmation that all environmental mitigation measures set out in the Environmental Impact Statement, Nature Impact Statement and associated planning documentation, the further information responses and commitments made at the oral hearing,have been implemented in full in accordance with planning condition no 3.
# Details of how condition no 8 relating to noise management is to be implemented including details of the specific equipment ,numbers ,models and locations to be employed in meeting these conditions along with the ISO 14000 management procedures associated with the process.
# A copy of the Environmental Management System (EMS)referred to in condition no 9 and the Construction Management Plan referred to in condition no 10, as all these should have been provided by Port of Cork by now.
Port Watch is very concerned to ensure that planning conditions are adhered to and that port operations are conducted in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. We are also concerned to ensure that the new container port is not allowed to operate in the haphazard way in which operations, at the legacy multi-purpose port facility in Ringaskiddy, have been allowed to evolve
THIS IS CRITICAL FOR THE AMENITY OF RESIDENTS
These matters are being brought to your attention for your information and also to solicit your support in pressurising Cork Count Council and the Port of Cork to be more responsive to the needs of their neighbours in the Cork Harbour area.
Yours Sincerely
BobMcLaughlin
Port Watch Chairman
We see you. We hear you.
PortWatch 