Plans for Port Investment in Cork Harbour Stalled by Objections to Develop former IFI Marino Plant Site
Belvelly Port Facility project: One objector said homes in Passage West in the centre of Cork Harbour, were less than 500m from Marino Point and located in an ‘amphitheatre’ because of the topography of the area which would amplify all noise coming from the new facility. Above Afloat adds the former IFI plant since demolished at the site of the proposed Belvelly Port. Credit: Irish Examiner-twitter
A major new port facility planned on the Cork Harbour site of the former Irish Fertiliser Industries (IFI) plant at Marino Point have been put on hold following objections from local residents.
Two appeals have been lodged with An Bord Pleanála against the recent decision of Cork County Council to grant planning permission for the construction of an agricultural fertiliser facility and development of the existing jetty at Marino Point to facilitate cargo vessels.
The plans are part of a project by Goulding Chemicals to relocate its existing fertiliser facility from Cork’s south docklands where it has been based since 1955.
If approved, the Belvelly Port Facility as Afloat previously reported, will also free up a large portion of land near Cork city for future redevelopment.
However, An Bord Pleanála has been asked to overturn the council’s decision amid concerns about the impact the proposed facility would have in terms of noise pollution on residents of Passage West as well as posing a road safety hazard due to increased traffic, particularly around Belvelly Bridge (see story & photos).
One objector said homes in Passage West were less than 500m from Marino Point and located in an “amphitheatre” because of the topography of the area which would amplify all noise coming from the new facility.
“Vibrations and noise from ship generators and engines that dock at Marino Point are currently felt and heard in homes directly and indirectly opposite Marino Point,” said one appellant.
More reports the Irish Examiner on the planned development of the site and the issue of noise pollution.
Source AFloat
