Dublin Port unveils review of its major masterplan

DUBLINERS are being urged to have their say on the Dublin Port Company’s review of its Masterplan 2012-2040, which was unveiled recently.

Since it was first published in 2012, there have been a number of significant developments which have prompted a review of the Masterplan. 

The Dublin Port Company said sustained high levels of growth, the commencement of the Alexandra Basin Redevelopment (ABR) Project and other major port infrastructure projects at national, regional and local level have necessitated this review.

International developments including Brexit and the possible introduction of customs and other security controls in Dublin Port are other factors in the decision to review the masterplan, the company added.

Dublin Port is now inviting submissions from all those with an interest in the future development of the port to engage in the public consultation, which runs until Tuesday, March 7.

Public Information Days will take place from 2-8pm in local community venues, where members of the public can meet with representatives from Dublin Port Company in person, learn more about the review and make their views known.

These will run in Scoil Uí Chonaill GAA Club, 95 Clontarf Road, Clontarf on February 13, Seán O’Casey Community Centre, St Mary’s Road, East Wall, on February 15 and in Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA Club, Sean Moore Road, Ringsend, on February 16.

Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company, said volumes at the port are now higher than they were at the peak of the boom in 2007.

“When we originally launched our masterplan five years ago, we assumed an average annual growth rate of 2.5 per cent over the 30 years to 2040,” he explained.

“We now believe we need to increase this growth assumption to 3.3 per cent.

“Under this revised assumption, the port’s volumes would increase by 265 per cent to 77m gross tonnes over the 30 years to 2040. 

“It is prudent that we respond to changing circumstances as they impact on the port’s operations and capacity to grow. That is why we are reviewing our masterplan and, as part of this review, I would encourage people to take the opportunity to participate in the consultation over the coming days. 

“The focus of the review will be on how best we can use our lands to increase the throughput capacity of the Port,” O’Reilly added. “We believe that the port can be developed to cater for anticipated volumes through to 2040 within the port’s existing footprint and without significant major infill works. This will require the maximum utilisation of our brownfield sites and adjacent river berthage.

“The implementation of the next phase of the masterplan will continue to focus on achieving proper planning and sustainable development through the continued redevelopment of the brownfield sites within Dublin Port’s existing footprint.”