The capital could soon be getting a new bridge under major redevelopment plans unveiled by Dublin Port today.
The proposal is included in the 3FM project which is the third and final master plan needed to "complete the development of Dublin Port and bring it to its ultimate and final capacity by 2040".
There are seven main elements involved with the project.
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One of them would see the construction of a 2.2km Southern Port Access Route if given the green light.
The plans from Dublin Port Company also include building a 190m bridge across the Liffey and adjacent to the existing Tom Clarke Bridge - a 45 metre section of the structure would also be capable of lifting upwards.
A reservation strip will also feature on the bridge to allow for a possible Luas line connection to Poolbeg in the future.
The plans say the development of the new road would be for trucks and other heavy goods vehicles.
This would mean cyclists and public transport users would “benefit from a safer, less congested route for active travel across the city”.
Dublin Port also said they want to construct a container terminal which would be located beside Poolbeg Power Station at the east of the port.
If approved it will become the largest container terminal in the country and have 650 metres of new berths along with a 50-metre-wide dredged pocket.
The planned project has also allocated space for a Maritime Village which would allow for sailing and rowing clubs in the area.
It would also include a new boatyard which would be kitted out with boat sheds that could be used. The plans also state there would be a dedicated space for maritime skills training too.
They have also proposed a 5.5km cycle and pedestrian path through the Poolbeg peninsula along with a 2.8-hectare Port Park.
It would also feature a landscaped area with play pitches.
Also included in the plans is a ship turning circle which would be located in front of Pigeon House Harbour. This is designated as a “safe area” for ships to swing around when they are arriving or departing from Dublin Port.
In addition, the construction of a new Ro-Ro terminal just north of the Sean Moore Roundabout is also planned and will be facilitated by relocating container traffic to the east of the Port.
This 12.6-hectare site will take trucks with containers (Roll On / Roll Off) for the increasing volumes of traffic coming directly from Europe post-Brexit.
A public consultation will remain open until April 28 and will include a number of Public Information Days in Poolbeg, Ringsend, and Clontarf where the Dublin Port team can discuss the plans with members of the local communities.
Dublin Port Chief Executive Barry O’Connell said: “We are very pleased to be progressing the 3FM project – which literally means ‘third and final’ project of Masterplan 2040.
“Dublin Port will need to maximise capacity within its existing footprint for an annual throughput of 3.1 million trailers and containers by 2040.
“Dublin Port Company takes a generational approach to development at the Port – large infrastructure projects take up to 20 years from inception to completion.
“We know what we have to deliver on to enable Ireland’s growth up to 2040 and beyond and our expert team has been actively engaged in delivering the Masterplan for more than 10 years now.”
He added: “The Masterplan would be unable to progress without the support of all of our stakeholders and the early conversations in 2021 on 3FM, particularly with the statutory agencies, the major utilities already in Poolbeg, and our local communities were extremely important in shaping our plans to this stage. We look forward to even greater engagement in the weeks ahead.
“Enhanced amenities for local citizens are central to our planning and the wonderful amenities at Port Park, the Maritime Village, and all along the additional 5km of active travel routes will open up the waterside in new ways to Dubliners and help deepen understanding of the huge contribution the everyday work of the Port brings to enable all of our work and home lives.
"Port City integration is a major objective of Dublin Port Company and 3FM will link in seamlessly with our other important projects in strengthening that vital connection between the Port and the people it serves”.
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