The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Estuary students are all about Ballylongford
STUDENTS from Kerry, Clare and Limerick cast their eyes on the Kingdom’s potential on Friday, as more than 300 pupils and teachers attended the final of the biennial COMPASS Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) Competition.
Held at the Foynes Aviation & Maritime Museum, the 2017 edition of the ‘Creating our Marine, Ports and Schools Synergy’ (COMPASS) contest, ran under the theme ‘Great Ships Need Deep Water’. The subject inspired many of the south west’s brightest youngsters to highlight Ballylongford’s true potential.
From 41 entries, just six were chosen for the final in Foynes. Among the select bunch was one from Causeway Comprehensive.
While the seven pupils representing the North Kerry School weren’t triumphant, they impressed with a 10-minute presentation on their project ‘Why Invest in the Deep West’ as they outlined concepts for the Tarbert-Ballylongford landback and its potential to hold the world’s largest vessels.
The winners cames from Salesian College Pallaskenry in County Limerick, though they also had big ideas for Kerry.
The students laid out a range of dynamic and far-seeing proposals – illustrated with a 3D presentation – of a major transhipment centre at Ballylongford and a rail-link to Foynes. They stated Ballylongford’s deep-waters could accomodate the world’s largest ships and larger loads, delivering an environmental benefit as less ships would be needed to sail.
For their efforts, the students scooped iPads and gold medals, as well a top prize of €2,000 for their school.
Elsewhere, Saint Patrick’s Comprehensive from Clare outlined plans for a major hub facility at Ballylongford, and Castletroy College suggested the development of an eco port system, also utilising Ballylongford.
Speaking on the day, Kerry MEP Seán Kelly said the students had captured the estruary’s potential. “I thought I knew everything I needed to know about the estuary, about the company’s activities but I learned more today from these young students,” he said.
“It takes a lot of work and effort and you deserve praise for your innovative and workmanlike approaches,” he added.