New agreement with Belfast
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Port of Cork Company and Belfast Harbour Commissioners supporting all-island economic growth.
The MoU will create a new strategic partnership designed to accelerate the delivery of offshore renewable energy (ORE), and boost cruise tourism across the island of Ireland.
The partnership has been endorsed by both the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive and comes into effect immediately.
Welcoming its signing, Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien TD, said: “International connectivity is the lifeblood of our island economy. This MoU aligns with our national goal of achieving net-zero through the rapid deployment of offshore wind.”
Michael Walsh, Chairperson of the Port of Cork Company, added: “As an island nation, our ports are central to our economic future, and this collaboration is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about innovation and shared resilience, and ensuring this island is in the best position to support and facilitate growing sectors like cruise and offshore renewable energy.”
The MoU creates a formal basis to deliver on shared objectives on the island for the next ten years. It aims to enable further strategic coordination on port infrastructure projects, the digital transformation, and driving decarbonisation.
Cork TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, also welcomed the signing.
He said: “This represents an opportunity for both ports to expand and grow thorough a collaborative and meaningful partnership.
“This will also facilitate economic growth and expansion in the Cork and South West region with the Port of Cork as a key driver of this development.”
The MoU focuses on four core objectives: offshore wind energy, cruise tourism expansion, innovation and resilience, and community and skills.
For offshore wind energy, the partnership will promote the growth of the offshore wind sector, ensuring that port infrastructure and services support the supply chain and logistics required for the industry and its evolving needs.
In cruise tourism expansion, the MoU will jointly market and improve cruise facilities to enhance the passenger experience and drive regional tourism spend.
Under innovation and resilience, the new partnership will aim to identify and secure joint funding for catalytic capital projects, including clean shore power solutions and digital hub developments to enhance port competitiveness.
Finally, under community and skills, the MoU will serve to encourage meaningful social value through employability and skills programmes, particularly in lesser served areas.