‘Competition in the Irish Ports Sector’ Submission:

Following a request by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, the Competition Authority is currently undertaking a review of the effectiveness of existing competition in the ports sector to identify any issues or areas which require further exploration. The Authority’s review included a consultation process where interested parties were invited to identify ways to strengthen competition in the ports sector by the 8^th February.

The Chamber prepared a submission for the Competition Authority’s consideration which identified specific recommendations and requirements that must be addressed to support the improved competitiveness of the Irish ports and firmly position the Port of Cork as a leading competitor and key global player in supply chain logistics:

Key recommendations in our submission:

• There is significant scope to improve the competitiveness of ports in terms of efficiency of services and the provision of quality;
• Ports must be equipped to respond to expected increases in traffic volumes through appropriate infrastructure for larger and deeper vessels;
• Ability to compete is influenced by capacity to fund required investment.  The Government must facilitate ports in attracting private financial investment to part fund new infrastructure;
• Government support must be given to Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan so that the Port can remain globally competitive;
• Good quality access for all of the major portsis integral to competitiveness.  Failure to complete the N28 creates potential access difficulties and has distorted competition when considered in the context of the ‘free’ provision of the Port Access Tunnel to Dublin Port;
• As the planning system is key to the future development of ports, there is a requirement for ‘joined up thinking’ between Government, Local Authorities, transport providers and port operators

Further details on our submission can be found on www.corkchamber.ie

Cork County Development Plan:

The County Development Plan sets out the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County.  The current County Development Plan expires in 2015 and in order to ensure that new County Development Plan 2015 – 2021 is reflective of and appropriate to the social, demographic and economic requirements of the County, the County Council has commenced a formal consultation process.  Further details including the Council’s consultation document ‘Planning for Cork County’s Future’ – Section 11 are available at www.corkcoco.ie

The Chamber is currently preparing a submission and welcomes input from its members.  Should you be interested in providing comments or feedback for this submission, please contact the Policy and Research Manager (Acting) (siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie) by Monday 25^th February at 4pm.