Planning permission for a multi-million euro cargo terminal in Cork Harbour has been denied.

Speculation the application could fail came after more than 500 objections against the development were lodged with the planning appeals body. A three-week public hearing was held then held in April before a final decision by An Bord Pleanála.

The Port of Cork had been looking to build a new container terminal at Ringaskiddy because it claims its current facility at Tivoli docks is too small to handle new super container ships.

-- Advertisement --

The proposed development also included a 480-metre quay with a roll on/roll off berth.

Two of the main reasons given for turning the application down were excess traffic and congestion on the existing road network if the development went ahead.

The board also had the view that the development would be a retrograde step because it would never have the benefit of a rail link.

Joe Noonan, Solicitor for the Cork Harbour Environmental Protection Association (CHEPA) who opposed the plan, said he thought the statutory bodies could do more to liaise with people in the area.

The CHEPA was relieved and pleased with the decision, he added.

(DW)