The Port of Cork has invited tenders for the €100 million redevelopment of Ringaskiddy port, which would include the construction of a new container terminal to allow Cork to increase its container traffic business.
The project is also expected to include dredging part of the harbour, reclamation work and shore protection.
The closing date for tenders is March 23rd.
The work itself is expected to take two years.
The project follows the granting of planning permission by An Bord Pleanála in May 2015 for the redevelopment of Ringskiddy port.
Commenting after planning permission was granted in May 2015, Port of Cork CEO Brendan Keating said the development of Ringaskiddy was vital to Cork's growth.
Mr Keating said it was vital for Cork to be able to accommodate larger vessels if it was to meet the needs of its customers and the economic developmental needs of the region.
He said the redevelopment of Ringaskiddy would “future-proof Cork as an international gateway for trade”.
Strategic Development Plan Review
The redevelopment of Ringaskiddy is the first phase in the implementation of the Port of Cork’s 2010 Strategic Development Plan Review, which highlighted Cork as a Tier 1 port of national significance.
The EUhas confirmed it will provide €13 million towards the €100 million redevelopment under its Ten T - Connecting Europe programme.
The redevelopment of Ringaskiddy will also allow the Port of Cork to phase out cargo handling at the Cork city quays.