D3 Cruise Berth, Belfast Harbour

Belfast has become a popular destination for cruise companies, who make a significant economic contribution to the city and regional economy. Our multi-disciplinary team designed and secured consent for new cruise berth facilities at D3 in the Harbour as part of its long-term plan to facilitate growth in cruise ship traffic and deliver a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy.

The design encompassed a 340m quay wall, mooring dolphins, concrete deck and quay hinterland, reclamation, dredging and associated infrastructural works in a heavily environmentally designated area for bird assemblage. 

Challenge

Under the Planning Act (NI) 2011, the project was deemed regionally significant and was dealt with by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Strategic Planning Division.

The project also required marine and terrestrial consents, which was a dual process with both DAERA Marine & Fisheries Division and DfI Strategic Planning Team. The site had complex issues and challenges including a highly environmentally designated area for marine species and birds in close proximity to an RSPB Reserve. Extensive consultation was required as part of the Pre-Application Community Consultation process for both Departments along with a comprehensive Environmental Statement and a Design & Access Statement.

The proposed cruise ship berth is located at D3 within the Belfast Harbour Estate, on Belfast Lough, a heavily designated waterbody based on its considerable bird assemblage.  One of the key challenges was the assessment of the potential impacts on the ornithological selection features of the various designated sites— RSPB Reserve, Belfast Lough Area of Special Scientific Interest, two Special Protection Areas, and the proposed East Coast Marine SPA.

Solution

We proposed a combined pre-application process with both departments who agreed to meet as one. We prepared a single Environmental Statement to accompany the applications for terrestrial and marine consenting. Extensive community consultation was undertaken, and we managed the consultation strategy and engagement process to a successful outcome, alongside managing the licenced process of translocation for rare plant species identified on the site.   

Our technical teams were involved from the beginning of the scheme design in terms of marine engineering, highways, EIA, landscape design and planning.

In tandem with the design process, we undertook a wide range of environmental and ornithological surveys and prepared a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment. 

The planning team prepared and submitted a planning application and three marine license applications covering the construction, dredging and disposal operations anticipated to secure consent for its construction and operation.