Dublin Port Alexandra Basin

dave182 · March 23, 2019

I spotted a large heavy-lift crane barge today down in Dublin Port. It appeared to be getting ready to move a large ro-ro ramp. Unfortuntely I was driving and unable to take a picture. After a spot of googling, I understand that Dublin Port are redeveloping the Alexandra Basin area of the port, including the jetty and infrastructure used to load ore from the Tara Mines tippler. I've since heard that Tara Mines traffic is to cease for a number of months. Is this true? What's the plan? Anyone know more about this?

MOGUL · March 24, 2019

The existing conveyor and pier used to load ships with Tara’s product is being demolished to make space for some of the redevelopment.. A new conveyor in a better location will be installed.. I think the Zinc from Tara is going to be shipped ex Drogheda for a few weeks to facilitate the work..

skinner75 · March 25, 2019

I heard on the radio that there is work taking place in the Alexandra Basin area of the docks to accommodate a larger 'Brexit-buster' cargo ship. The work will mean 50% less cruise ships docking in Dublin while the work is underway - tourism & other businesses that would make money from those onboard aren't too happy about it

MOGUL · March 26, 2019

Here’s before and after pics from the Dublin port website.. https://www.dublinport.ie/portfolio/alexandra-basin-redevelopment/

The Tara mines conveyor is the browny green structure on the pier extending out into the basin in the “before” picture

It has been removed in the “after” artists impression to make space for two new Ro/Ro berths in the foreground

dave182 · March 27, 2019

Thanks Mogul and Skinner 75. I wonder if the ore is shipped out from Drogheda using road vehicles, successfully, will it put this rail flow at risk long term?

I suspect not, as access the Drogheda Port is challenging. The rail line down to the old cement works could be reinstated I suppose, making for an interesting short trip working: Navan to Drogheda Port 3 times daily!

Mayner · March 28, 2019

1 hour ago, dave182 said:

Thanks Mogul and Skinner 75. I wonder if the ore is shipped out from Drogheda using road vehicles, successfully, will it put this rail flow at risk long term?

I suspect not, as access the Drogheda Port is challenging. The rail line down to the old cement works could be reinstated I suppose, making for an interesting short trip working: Navan to Drogheda Port 3 times daily!

It looks like Boliden are planning to extend the life of the mine beyond 2026. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tara-digs-deeper-underground-to-secure-the-future-of-europes-biggest-zinc-mine-jztbzf6g5.

It will be interesting if Boliden invests in a fleet of new wagons or manages to keep the existing fleet in service up to 2036.

jhb171achill · March 28, 2019

I'd say if they can find any way under the sun to get it off the rails and into trucks to Drogheda or anywhere else, they won't lose a minute in doing it!

Within days, they'll announce that the last trucks are now scrapped, track lifting has reached Beauparc, and the branch is going to be a greenway. And there is absolutely no chance it can be reopened without spending €12,456 billion, which is better spent on that greenway, and new speed limit signs on motorways.

Robert Shrives · March 28, 2019

JHB - so very likely given past experiences on this Island, so very sad that "yours" is going the same way. Lack of brains and practical life skills will see us all extinct before 3 long.

Robert

Railer · March 28, 2019

Part of the Boliden contract when the mine was first planned was that the ore was to be shipped by rail for export. It was a bilateral contract agreement between Boliden and the government at the time. I have no idea if there is a get out clause as part of that.

Mayner · March 28, 2019

34 minutes ago, Railer said:

Part of the Boliden contract when the mine was first planned was that the ore was to be shipped by rail for export. It was a bilateral contract agreement between Boliden and the government at the time. I have no idea if there is a get out clause as part of that.

Using rail would fit in with Boliden's Sustainability Commitments & to keep within its existing carbon limits under the EU Emission Trading Scheme, and likely to continue until the existing wagons and loading/unloading infrastructure require replacement.

DiveController · May 11, 2019

I'm sure there is a reason for the lids on the ore wagons and would you really want to transport that ore by road?

hurricanemk1c · May 12, 2019

Ultimately, you can transport 700-odd tonnes (train can be up to 912 tonnes IIRC, but that includes loco and physical wagon weight) in one go. That's 24 lorries (assuming a payload capability of 30 tonnes). Simple economics

Broithe · October 14, 2020

I got stuck at the Alexandra Road lights this morning - I was turning left, but it all stayed red whilst this went on, so I took the opportunity to get these rather poor pictures.