Dublin Port to move new container terminal planned for Sandymount

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has intervened on behalf of residents in south Dublin who had objected to plans to build Ireland’s largest container terminal at Dublin Port.

The redevelopment plans, known as Project 3FM, are proposed to meet capacity constraints and a growing volume of cargo going through the port by 2040.

Minister Ryan previously said he had “concerns” around Dublin Port’s expansion plans and has been meeting with the company to discuss changes.

Some of his concerns included doubling the port’s capacity which he felt may have an impact on the country’s ability to reduce fossil fuels.

He also highlighted the increased traffic this might have brought and that a new rail route might be more useful to get trucks off the road. He also suggested the port should expand nature reserves on land in the area.

The company had originally made plans to put a 15-acre terminal, with containers stacked three levels high, at the south of the port which would have had the ability to handle 353,000 containers annually.

The proposed 15-hectare container yard was to be located in front of the ESB’s Poolbeg power station, beside Sandymount’s UNESCO protected beach.

Dublin Port confirmed the container facility will now be relocated to Area L, adjacent to the quayside. This area was originally designated for future development under Masterplan 2040, but the proposal moves this plan forward.

“The changes we’re announcing today are a powerful example of how genuine engagement in the consultation process can result in stronger and more sustainable planning,” Barry O’Connell, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company said.

“Large infrastructure projects such as 3FM are complex and challenging and the consultation process is essential to achieve the right balance between the interests of the many stakeholders they impact.

“I believe our revised plans do just that and I want to sincerely thank all of those who contributed to the process.

“All stakeholders will have an opportunity to review the updated proposal in full, and make their views known to An Bord Pleanála as part of the statutory public consultation process when the application is lodged.

“We wanted to share this important update ahead of submitting our application this summer.”

Relocating the container to this area will mean that the land originally planned for the container storage facility will now be reconfigured to accommodate a Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) unaccompanied freight terminal and a District Heating Energy Centre.

A portion of this land adjacent to the area originally set for the container facility will be allocated to create a public park. Dublin Port says the park will include a wildflower meadow and extend the existing coastal path.

The changes implemented through the 3FM Project in Dublin Port are expected to have a significant impact over the next ten years.

The relocation of the container facility, the development of public spaces like parks, and improvements to infrastructure such as the Southern Port Access Route (SPAR), and the new bridge across the River Liffey, will transform the area.

A further update from Dublin Port said discussions with Irish Rail are progressing well with the intention of providing access for all port terminals to rail.

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