Port of Cork is currently exploring the option of a 2nd cruise terminal in Cobh given the continued increase in the number of vessels arriving in Cork Harbour.
The company is seeking expressions of interest from companies willing to develop a new cruise ship berth at Lynch's quay located at the eastern end of the port town.
2018 cruise season is closing with the last cruise ship due to visit in December, when a total of 92 vessels will have called making 2018 the most significant season ever for Port of Cork. Over 69,000 crew and 157,000 passengers came ashore this summer bringing a total economic benefit of more than EUR 12 Million.
Port of Cork and Cork County Council acquired the 5,000m2 Lynch's Quay site last August, that is situated 200m east of the existing cruise ship terminal
Planning permission was granted in 2008 for passenger landing station and ferry terminal with restaurants, kiosks, heritage and tourism centre. The development, however, didn't proceed and the permission expired 5 years later.
Port of Cork is currently inviting submissions from interested parties in order to develop and operate a 2nd dedicated cruise berth.
Commercial opportunities at Lynch’s Quay include Spike Island sea bus terminal, marina berths, car park, visitor centre, marine sports activity hub and floating museum.
According to Port's Chief Executive, Brendan Keating, they expected more than 100 cruise ships to visit Cork Harbour in 2019.