MacDara Conroy
MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business
Areas along Cumbria's coast could have greater protection under new plans for the conservation of marine habitats. The Irish Sea Conversation Zones project is currently recommending areas to the UK government that could be designated for marine conservation. BBC News…
Problems with electrical wiring had been alerted to a retired mariner who drowned along with two friends after abandoning their boat due to a fire, an inquest into the tragedy has heard. Wolfgang Schmidt (70), Richard Harmon (69) and Wolfgang…
Bank of Ireland's €1.4bn shipping loan and maritime business is now being targeted by potential buyers. The Irish Independent reports that Spanish banking group Santander is interested in "cherry-picking" prime assets from Ireland's faltering financial institutions. Santander has already paid…
Bangor locals came face-to-face with officials from the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) over the proposals to close Northern Ireland's only full-time sea rescue base. The Belfast Telegraph reports that MCA bosses were loudly heckled when they tried to…
The Common Fisheries Policy will wipe out coastal communities in Ireland, according to a star of TV's Deadliest Catch. Corey Arnold, who was in Galway today to speak at the Irish Skipper Expo, has spent time working with small-boat fishermen…
The Doolin Coast Guard Unit has urged Clare County Council to continue its €6 million development plan for Doolin Point. The pier plan has faced opposition from surfers who argue that the development will ruin the popular waves in the…
The Irish Times reports that a number of European universities and research centres are eagerly awaiting the data from the latest wave energy test buoy deployed in Galway Bay. Cork company Ocean Energy Ltd is behind the latest test and…
A former lock-keepers’ cottage near Celbridge, Co Kildare could prove to be a substantial bargain for waterways enthusiasts. Bank House, on the Grand Canal near Hazelhatch, is a two-storey Victorian five-bed house with a large garden available through DNG. When…
Controversy has arisen over the decision by outgoing Minister for Energy Pat Carey to grant key consents for the Corrib gas pipeline on the day of the general election. According to the Irish Times, the Department of Energy said consent…
Irish boatowners and fishermen have been urged to remain alert to the prospect of so-called 'killer shrimp' invading Ireland's waters. The dikerogammarus villosus shrimp - which has spread aggressively throughout Europe in the past decade and was discovered in England…
The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) has lashed out over newspaper articles on the recent €500m deal with CHC Ireland to provide search and rescue services. The it was recently reported in an Irish newspaper that Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd…
Sligo IT fought off tough competition to take the top spot at the 2011 Irish Student National Surf Championships in Portrush last weekend. Poor conditions on the Saturday morning forced a postponed start in the afternoon but Sligo raced to…
A Bangor-based engineering firm has won a deal to supply pump systems to French boatbuilder BJ Technologie. The Belfast Telegraph reports that Munster Simms, which also trades as Whale Pumps, will supply bilge and shower waste pumps to the international…
Lesser Spotted Ulster's Joe Mahon was on hand to launch the first comprehensive free visitor's guide to the Lagan Canal recently, the Ulster Star reports. http://www.lisburntoday.co.uk/news/local/tv_personality_launches_first_visitors_guide_to_lagan_canal_1_2426647 The new guide provides information on the canal's storied history and its abundance of…
Two new videos posted online offer a fasincating insight into the impressive and mysterious west coast big wave spot known as Prowlers. The first includes footage and images from the infamous surf session from last November that put the wave…
Belfast coastguard responded to two requests assisting the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team on Saturday, BYM Marine & Maritime News reports. http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=82065 The first followed reports of an injured walker in the Glen River Valley around 2pm. Helicopter assistance was stood…
Proposals to close Northern Ireland's only coastguard control centre "will not diminish safety" at sea, according to the head of the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The Irish Independent reports that Vice-Admiral Sir Alan Massey insisted coastal emergency services would…
This weekend sees the opening of the new Galway Ocean Sports Centre, which aims to provide a home for water sports enthusiasts with access to the city and Galway Bay. The Galway City Tribune reports that the 25,000 sq ft…
Hooked Live! returns to Dublin’s Citywest Hotel and Lakes from 26-27 February in what organisers promise will be their biggest and best weekender yet. Whether you are an expert at angling or just looking to try the latest fishing gear,…
The Irish Coast Guard's recent €500m deal with CHC Ireland to provide search and rescue services should be investigated, a Fine Gael TD has urged. According to the Irish Independent, Fergus O'Dowd is questioning the deal after receiving documents under…
