South West Regional Authority

The Authority formed the South West Maritime Forum to address the many maritime commercial and leisure issues in this region. A number of major ports, maritime institutions and organisations are located in the region.

The Port of Cork is home to the national oil refinery (Conoco Phillips at Whitegate) and is a major port for freight, ferry and cruise line traffic.

The headquarters of the Irish Naval Service is located in Cork Harbour. Bantry Bay is a major oil storage depot.

Youghal, Kinsale, Union Hall, Castletownbere, Baltimore, Dingle, and Fenit are some of the other very important ports with significant fishing, general commercial and leisure activity.

The National Maritime College of Ireland is located in the region at Ringaskiddy.

The region established the forum to support and oversee the development of the maritime sector in the region.

Membership of the committee comprises all sectors associated with the industry.