4.5 Ports and the urban environment

4.5 Ports and the urban environment

It is also important that the port network have the potential to offer multi-modal distribution networks as part of its response to future changes in freight distribution that may arise because of both restructuring in charging regulations and our environmental obligations to reduce emissions, etc. Most of the State’s ports were originally located at railheads. Most still remain close to rail-lines, although only Dublin and Waterford currently receive rail freight. As referred to earlier, the disused rail-link to Foynes port has been designated a core rail freight network as part of the review of the European TEN-T programme.

The relationship between a port and its city is constantly changing. The location of most major port facilities has shifted downstream over time, allowing redevelopment of previously port-related lands for other commercial, residential or recreational uses.

However, redevelopment proposals must take account of the need for sufficient replacement port capacity within the region. Any development proposal requires careful consideration by all relevant stakeholders, in particular the planning authorities, local communities, port authorities and port users.

These developments, together with other supporting actions that may be taken, could result in an increased role for rail-based freight to and from the ports. However, it must also be acknowledged that, even with a substantial increase in rail freight to and from the ports, most freight will continue to be carried by road.

Across the European Union, there is widespread recognition of the benefits to be gained from reintegration of a port’s relationship with its city and community. In many port cities a growing spatial separation between ports and their communities has arisen in recent decades due to a multitude of factors, including the need for increased port security and the relocation of port facilities away from city centres.

While the important role of ports in facilitating economic activity is frequently overlooked, their social role in shaping a city’s development and indeed its history is often completely overshadowed by the seemingly conflicting demands of a port’s development and the development of the city.

In Ireland the benefits to be gained from reintegration and rejuvenation of this relationship between port and city have been demonstrated with the success of events such as the Volvo Ocean Race in Galway, the Tall Ships events held in recent years in both Dublin and Waterford, and the increasing number of cruise vessel visits, with the associated knock-on beneficial economic effects in local areas.

Figure from page 44

National Ports Policy encourages ports and local authorities to collaborate on issues of mutual benefit and work together to maximise the potential afforded by their natural, as well as manmade, environment

National Ports Policy encourages ports and local authorities to collaborate on issues of mutual benefit and work together to maximise the potential afforded by their natural, as well as manmade, environment.

section 5 Environmental and Foreshore Issues

Image Credit: Irish Maritime Development Office