Page 8 - COBH EDITION 17TH MAY DIGITAL VERSION

Princess Cruises, MV Crown Princess (top) alongside Cobh Deepwater
Quay with 20+ coaches and over 3,000 pax compared to a Cunard Vessel
in the early 90’s with circa 1-2 coaches.

The Port of Cork has always endeavoured to uphold tradition, and when it is safe
and appropriate the Port allows access through the quay for the rest of the liners
visit. It is by no means the intention of the Port to obstruct members of the public
from accessing the deep water quay or to diminish the enjoyment gained by the
public from observing such magnificent liners up close. It is as explained, for the
safety of everyone involved and the Port of Cork will reserve the right to close off
the quay when required for port operations and health and safety reasons.
Following some confusion as to the Ports reasoning for temporarily closing public
access to the quay, the question of land ownership and rights of way have also
arisen regarding the Deepwater Quay in Cobh. For the purposes of clarity, the title
of the Port of Cork Company to Deepwater Quay, Cobh, comprises a combination of
registered (Land Registry) and unregistered (Registry of Deeds) title dating back to
the last century and as such the management of the berth is under the control of
the Port of Cork Company, regulated by the Port Byelaws. Despite erroneous claims
to the contrary, Port of Cork Company is the freehold owner of Deepwater Quay.
Mr Keating once again clarified; ‘While the Port of Cork Company (and previously
Cork Harbour Commissioners) have been willing to permit access by the public to
Deepwater Quay, the Port has always controlled such access where required in the
interests of health and safety, security and the smooth and safe management of
shipping traffic at Deepwater Quay. This has included the use by the Port of its
statutory power under Harbours legislation to create and enforce bye-laws regulat-
ing access to Deepwater Quay while ships are being embarked or disembarked and
permitting the Harbour Master to request persons to leave the quay at such times.
No public right of way exists over Deepwater Quay.’