AN BORD PLEANÁLA have given the green light to Dublin’s Port’s €230 million redevelopment plan – aimed at increasing the flow of cargo and cruise ships into the city.

Some 3km of quay walls would have to be rebuilt as part of the overhaul, while existing pier space would also be demolished.

Dredging would also take place to allow an extra 2.2 metres of depth in the approach to the Liffey, from Dublin Bay.

Other sign-offs, from the Department of the Environment and the EPA are still needed. The company says it’s been in regular contact with both – and that it’s hoping to hear positive news in the next few months.

The overhaul means that even the largest cruise ships in the world would be able to sail into the port – and much further into the city than before.

Ships like the 360 metre Allure of the Seas would be able to sail up as far as the East Link, beside the 3Arena (Point) once the project is completed.

Currently the biggest cruise vessel in the world, the Royal Caribbean craft has its own ice-skating rink, a mini golf course and 300 state rooms that overlook a mini Central Park (with real trees and everything).

Source: Royal Caribbean

The port project is expected to take five years to complete, and Dublin Port CEO Eamonn O’Reilly said they hoped to be in a position to begin construction later this year.

A planning hearing last October heard that environmental impact studies had been submitted by the port company alongside the planning application.

A range of interest groups – including residents associations and environmental groups – also sent in written submissions.

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Significant planning and research had to be undertaken ahead of the inaugural visit of the 330 metre MSC Splendida earlier this year – to date, the largest vessel to berth in the port.

Ships any larger than the Splendida have to anchor out in Dublin Bay, and send in tender boats to bring in passengers.

The MSC Splendida arrives in Dublin. Source: Photocall Ireland

Completion of the planned Alexandra Basin Redevelopment would make it much simpler for ships to dock – and it’s hoped the project will boost plans to promote the city as a cruise destination.

It’s hoped the plan will lead to a 30 per cent increase in port volume, within the decade following its construction.