New ferry service announced for Cork city and harbour

Plans for a new €80 million passenger ferry service have been announced for Cork, linking 17 locations across the city and harbour.

Portus Greenway Limited, trading as Harbour Link, announced today that they are in the advanced stages of planning for the project, with the end goal of bringing Cork its first passenger ferry service in more than 100 years.

The service’s 17 docking locations include City Quay, Kennedy Quay and SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Marina Quay, Tivoli, Blackrock Pier, Blackrock Castle and Observatory, Little Island, Passage West, Carrigaloe, Monkstown, Ringaskiddy, Paddy’s Point, Spike Island, Cobh Five Foot Way, Lynch’s Quay Terminal, Lower Aghada and Crosshaven.

The company is currently in discussions with Cork City Council, Cork County Council and the Port of Cork in developing the zero-emissions initiative, which will transport daily commuters, local residents and tourists to and from the city and to many harbour communities and attractions.

The €80 million investment will involve all-electric vessels, of catamaran design, which will have capacity for up to 300 people, and will be suitable for the harbour and river environment, with the aim of achieving a zero emission, low noise and low wake service.

The vessels will also able to operate at low speeds in restricted areas - to protect the environment and other river users - and to have capability to achieve more efficient speeds in the open water areas of Lough Mahon and the lower harbour.

Each vessel will be accessible for wheelchair users and will be equipped with bicycle and luggage racks that can accommodate for mobility and e-scooters, as well as prams.

They will also feature a large indoor cabin space and rear open-air areas at the back which will be pet-friendly.

Services on-board will include a barista styled coffee-dock and kiosk; male, female and disabled accessible toilets; free 4g Wi-Fi and a down-loadable app for multilingual guided harbour historic listening tours.

The commuter service has planned frequencies of 30 minutes to the city in each direction and the company will offer short-break tourists a 24 hour or 48 hour hop on/hop off pass.

The service will be powered by sustainable energies sourced through local renewable energy providers and each vessel will be equipped with features to reduce impact on the environment, including a new concept rain–capture system for on-board water needs, reducing the impact on local water facilities, and a roof solar-system for additional top-up power.

The company further plans to develop a Harbour Hub Terminus at Lynch’s Quay in Cobh, which will incorporate a second cruise berth for cruise liners, and will act as a base for charging all vessels.

“Cork has a unique opportunity to develop this stylish yet sustainable mode of all electric zero emission ferry transport, as it has the unique unencumbered natural resource of the River Lee leading directly into the city,” said Aidan Coffey, founder and CEO of Harbour Link.

“Much work has been already done in the design stages and consultations with the relevant authorities and stakeholders, including vessel and infrastructure designers, plus local sustainable power providers to ensure the service is a true zero emission service.

“This is a win-win from an environmental and public perspective and we’re really excited about the journey ahead.” 

Founder and centre manager at Blackrock Castle and Observatory, Alan Giltinan said that the service has the potential to “significantly increase” traffic at the city-based amenity.

“Blackrock Castle warmly welcomes this endeavour - [it is] an important juncture in the development of Cork Harbour, Cork tourism and [is an] educational opportunity,” said Mr Giltinan.

“The ability to welcome visitors to the observatory via the water has the potential to significantly increase the footfall to the castle whilst giving the public a wonderfully scenic entrance through our waterside archway.

“It affords the castle an opportunity to return to our roots of landside and waterside access, a historical pathway of significance to both the castle and the region.

“As a STEM education site, it also opens further opportunities for schools and students to conveniently access the observatory, simultaneously inspiring and enthusing a unique arched gateway to a cosmic journey.” 

A spokesperson for Minister for State at the Department of Transport Jerry Buttimer TD, said that he believes the project could be “transformative” for Cork.

“Minister for State at the department of Transport Jerry Buttimer, is very supportive of the ambition and concept of the Harbour Link,” they said.

“It could be transformative for tourism and commuters in Cork City, Blackrock, Monkstown, Crosshaven and across the harbour.

“Minister Buttimer wishes the very best to all those involved and hopes it will come to fruition.” 

The company expects to lodge planning applications within six to 12 months, with a view to be operational by early to mid-2027.