One of the biggest single building projects in Ireland’s history is being planned for Cork's docklands.

An application for a €2 billion development is to be lodged within weeks by Howard Holdings. It is to include two hotels, 600,000 square feet of office a 30-storey residential tower and a metro system.

Chief Executive of Howard Holdings, Greg Coughlan has said his firm has engaged London-based architecture firm Foster and Partners, to work on the project.

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Foster and Partners was involved in the redevelopment of the World Trade Centre site in New York.

The Port of Cork is demanding a €60 million to €65m relocation package to leave the city centre quays, however Mr Coughlan said it needed to vacate quickly for the docklands project to move forward.

Speaking at a Cork Chamber business breakfast yesterday, he said: "What a coup for us to get them in the first place and what a great fillip for the project to attract such a company."

Mr Coughlan also said all parties needed to discuss a solution, and he did not rule out Howard Holdings contributing to the relocations costs for the port.

"The Port of Cork must move down-river. Each of us: developers, government, the local authority and the Port of Cork itself must work together to facilitate this critical step and an immediate dialogue needs to commence to achieve it."

(JM)