Dublin Port Company (DPC) is submitting a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for a 15-year permission for its 3FM Project, the third and final project from Dublin Port’s Masterplan 2040 at an estimated cost of €1.1 billion (2024 prices).
The 3FM Project will be developed on existing brownfield lands in the port, focusing primarily on the Poolbeg Peninsula, where one-fifth of Dublin Port’s estate is located. The project will deliver close to 20% of port capacity required by 2040 by providing essential infrastructure and capacity for unitised cargo as demand for freight services from Continental Europe grows.
The 3FM Project includes the construction of a new bridge across the River Liffey as part of the Southern Port Access Route (SPAR), removing heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), port and commercial traffic from existing public roads leading to and from the Tom Clarke Bridge, while giving pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users 7.0 km of cycle and pedestrian routes for active travel across the Poolbeg Peninsula and River Liffey. In addition, a new Maritime Village, public park and enhanced public and community amenity will be provided, all designed to improve and protect the port’s local community, natural environment and maritime heritage.
The project, put forward by self-financing commercial semi-state Dublin Port Company, is the largest port infrastructure project in the company’s 317-year history. It completes the three core strategic infrastructure projects brought forward for development from Dublin Port’s Masterplan, with the ABR Project near completion and the MP2 Project under construction.
DPC’s final design proposal reflects extensive public consultation and collaboration with stakeholders, including the port’s local community, customers, public representatives, State agencies, Government departments and a wide range of public bodies to balance a range of commercial, community, heritage and sustainability considerations.
Public information sessions will take place in August with details of the proposed development plans on view, and with Dublin Port’s project team on hand to discuss these in person.
From 4pm – 8pm on:
Tues, 13th August 2024 - Poolbeg Boat & Yacht Club, Dublin 4
Wed, 14th August 2024 - Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA Club, Dublin 4
Thurs, 15th August 2024 - Clontarf Parish Hall, Dublin 3
Barry O’Connell, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said:
“Today we are putting forward the 3FM Project to develop critical national port infrastructure on existing port lands to support growth in the Irish economy.
“The 3FM Project is a powerful example of a balanced approach to sustainable planning for major infrastructure that delivers for international trade, the local community, and the port’s natural environment.
“We have embraced the consultation process and taken on board the views of many stakeholders to create a plan that delivers on Dublin Port’s core mandate to facilitate international trade. It does this by maximising our current footprint to create state-of-the-art capacity for import and export trade which is the mainstay of our economy, and which is fundamental to future economic growth.
“Dublin Port is already one of Europe’s most efficient ports. For business, the 3FM Project means essential port infrastructure that supports Ireland’s export ambitions into the future. For consumers, this infrastructure will support competitive shipping routes for the goods and materials we use in everyday life, from building and health supplies to furniture and grocery.
“Our project design not only creates a more efficient port but does so in a way that enhances our community, protects our environment and respects our heritage. For the local community and future residents, it creates new and enhanced public amenities, including a world class Maritime Village, 7km of pedestrian and cycle routes, a new public park and wildflower meadow, as well as a floodlit playing pitch for local clubs.
“In relation to the Great South Wall, a new Public Access Feasibility Study and up to €1 million in funding to implement its recommendations, will look at the possibilities for public interpretation, access, facilities and conservation.
“At the same time, the project uses construction techniques for a new container terminal facility that will enhance our environment and the biosphere, utilising open-piled structures to protect marine biodiversity and incorporating infrastructure to support the low-carbon operation of the terminal. Relocating the container freight stacking operation further away from residential areas also ensures lesser noise and visual impact.
“We are very grateful to the many contributors for their input into this plan, which will transform our lands on the Poolbeg Peninsula for the port, the city, and its residents.”
The 3FM Project involves an application for a 15-year permission for phased development works within existing port lands, focused primarily on the southern port estate on the Poolbeg Peninsula.
The 3FM Project has six key elements:
Enhanced public realm through the development of a new public plaza as a key part of the Maritime Village, and extensive boundary softening works adjacent to the development sites forming part of the 3FM Project.
Community support through the establishment of a new €2 million Community Benefit Fund for Education, Heritage & Maritime Training Skills projects within the Poolbeg area. The initial capital for the Fund will be administered by DPC in consultation with local stakeholders.
Heritage & Biodiversity enhancements through:
The application for permission, the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and the Natura Impact Statement, will be available to inspect during public opening hours for 8 weeks from 31st July 2024 at:
The application may also be viewed / downloaded from the project website: www.dublinport3fm.ie which will be live from 31 July 2024.
Submissions or observations may be made only to An Bord Pleanála up until 5.30 pm on 25th September 2024. See www.pleanala.ie for further details.
