Industries in Cork

Water played a key role in the industrial development of Cork. The two photographs below shows the close relationship between industry and the River Lee.

Custom House sheds and view from Marina Quay

This picture was taken from the dock at Marina Quay in Cork. It includes the Custom House sheds, and emphasises again the importance of water in the industrial development of Cork.

Courtesy Cork City Libraries

Custom House sheds and view from Marina Quay
Courtesy Cork City Libraries

Custom House sheds and view from Marina Quay

This picture was taken from the dock at Marina Quay in Cork. It includes the Custom House sheds, and emphasises again the importance of water in the industrial development of Cork.

Courtesy Cork City Libraries

Enlarge image

Industries such as Ford cars and Dunlop's tyres were set up along the quays of the River Lee. These firms closed during the 1980's resulting in the loss of 2,500 jobs. The other large employers in the Cork area such as Sunbeam Wolsey, Irish Steel and Verolme Cork Dockyards have also closed down since.

Aerial photograph of Cork harbour showing industry

This photograph shows some industrial sites along Cork harbour, including the location of the former Ford factory. The River Lee was certainly crucial in the industrial development of Cork.

Water continues to play an important role in the industrial landscape of Cork, particularly CorkHarbour. From the 1990s on, large multinational companies such as Novartis, Pfizer and Schering-Plough and a host of smaller multinational companies have opened factories in the Cork area.

Apple Computers is another large employer in the Cork area.  Cork is now Ireland's most important centre for the chemical industry.  Ireland's only oil refinery, operated by the Irish National Petroleum Corporation, is located at Whitegate on CorkHarbour.

Water will certainly continue to play a vital role in the industrial development of Cork into the future