Dun Laoghaire's Combined Clubs (DLCC) say in a joint statement that 'Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company lost its application to develop a facility for super-sized cruise ships'. The clubs have 'welcomed' yesterday's decision of An Bord Pleanala to limit any proposed development to accommodate a maximum size of cruise ship to 250m.
The DLCC represents the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, Dublin Bay Sailing Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club, Royal St. George Yacht Club, Royal Alfred Yacht Club and the National Yacht Club.
DLCC convenor Liam Owens says 'This removal of the threat of the supersized cruise ships secures the future of this premier location for the benefit of all Dun Laoghaire residents, watersports users, walkers and all those visitors and locals who value this historic amenity'
'We welcome the decision of An Bord Pleanala to limit cruise ships to 250m, similar to those ships already being accommodated in the Harbour and to which we have no objection', Owens says.
The DLCC statement 'regrets that the Board has overruled its Inspector’s conclusions that the proposed development was contrary to the National Ports Policy, and that the economic case for the development was not sustained'.
The statement contonues: 'We are very pleased that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, the future owners of the Harbour concurs with and has included a similar limitation in its Development Plan. We look forward to working with DLRCC to develop a National Watersports Centre in Dun Laoghaire Harbour as specified in the DLRCC’s Development Plan for the benefit of all'.