This is a longstanding case involving leasing arrangements put in place initially in 1937.
Following refurbishment of the pier in the late 1990s, the Port of Cork indicated a wish to alter the leasing arrangement with a view to ultimately acquiring the freehold of the area of foreshore in question. At a meeting between officials of my Department and representatives of the Port Company held in December 2007, a number of crosscutting issues associated with the Company's proposal were discussed.
The complexities of this case are receiving ongoing attention within my Department as a matter of priority and every effort is being made to arrive at a solution which will, if possible, meet the needs of the company.