6.3.4.2 | Our Region’s Strategic Port and Harbour Assets Over 90% of our international trade moves by sea. The State’s ports are categorised into Ports of National Significance (Tier 1), Ports of National Significance (Tier 2) and Ports of regional significance. Tier 1 ports are expected to lead the response to future national port capacity requirements. There is also a role for Tier 2 ports to develop additional capacity - servicing cruise tourism and the ocean energy sector is a core and growing part of their functions. Of the five ports of national significance in the State; four are in the Southern Region - Ports of Cork, Shannon-Foynes (Tier 1) and Port of Waterford and Rosslare-Europort (Tier 2 Ports). They represent an international gateway to and from Britain, continental Europe and global locations for trade directly from the Region. Cork and Shannon-Foynes are located on the North-Sea Mediterranean TEN-T Core Network Corridor with the Port of Waterford having an active freight rail connection and notable rail opportunities for connection to Limerick-Foynes. Other ports designated for regional significance and function are important facilitators of trade for their regional and local hinterland. Fishing harbours are also important economic centres within the Region. Table 6.2 lists examples of the port and harbour assets within the Region.
RPO 140
International Connectivity It is an objective to: a. Sustainably maintain, support and enhance the Region’s International Connectivity Transport Network including the Trans European Transport Network (TEN-T) which seeks the development of a Europe- wide network of railway lines, roads, inland waterways, maritime shipping routes, ports, airports and railroad terminals. b. Sustainably maintain the strategic capacity and safety of the national roads and rail network including planning for future capacity enhancements to ensure effective land transport connections to the major ports, airports and markets. Support the role of our strategic road and sustainable transport networks including connectivity to the TEN-T Core and Comprehensive Network, connecting the Region’s metropolitan areas, key towns, ports and airports with the Atlantic Economic Corridor, extended Dublin-Belfast Eastern Corridor and other urban networks as identified through Section 3.8 of the RSES and City and County Development Plans. d. Sustainably support infrastructure for electric c. and low carbon fuel infrastructure along TEN-T Core and Comprehensive Network.
RPO 141
Regional Freight Strategy It is an objective to support the development of a RSES Regional Freight Strategy which includes the consideration of rail freight, the asset of our Region’s rail network and innovations in the freight handling and transport sector potential for electrification, lower carbon fuels and technology to be prepared by the relevant stakeholders in consultation with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sports, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, Local Authorities, Irish Rail, relevant delivery agencies and the port and airport authorities. Support the feasibility of delivering a national rail freight and passenger hub in the Region and reinstatement of freight lines on our Region’s rail network. The implementation mechanisms and monitoring structures to be established following the adoption of the RSES will identify the scope and role of the Regional Freight Strategy and the timescale for its preparation. The requirements of the SEA and Habitats Directives shall be considered, as appropriate, in relation to a Regional Freight Strategy.
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
164
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker