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A "master plan" to develop one of Ireland’s busiest ports has been revealed, with public consultation being the first port of call in the process.
According to a report by the Irish Examiner, Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) have announced public consultation with the port’s stakeholders and interested parties.
The SFPC Masterplan Achieving the Vision 2041 will guide the development of the ports and give port users, stakeholders and the community a clear picture of the ports’ plans and requirements for the future.
It is understood that the 30 year long plan includes 500 square kilometers and the upgrade will be aimed at capitalising on the significant growth potential of the port and estuary.
The Irish Examiner reported that the proposed plan will also examine improvements to road and rail access to and from the port and the likely requirements to deliver such key infrastructure.
The company is also likely to review the existing land bank and identify property for relevant zoning and future uses.
Stakeholders and members of the public will have an opportunity to contribute to the proposed framework-which the company says "will essentially define the long-term economic activity of the estuary in the mid-west region".
The company’s Chief Executive Patrick Keating said: "Having recorded one of the company’s most successful ever years in 2010, we anticipate that the upward curve for the Shannon Foynes Port Company is going to continue in the long-term.
"Our projections suggest that throughput at the port company will increase significantly in the lifetime of the masterplan so the plan itself will be essential in ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to facilitate this growth.
"Shannon Foynes Port Company is one of the key economic engines of this region and facilitates international trade valued at over €6 billion per annum.
"It is, therefore, essential that we put in place a clear vision for making sure the company can continue to deliver for the estuary, region and nation."
(LB/CD)
