#WEST CORK – Sailing Clubs stand to benefit in an allocation of over €2.6 million to harbour boards across West Cork this year to fund essential remedial works. The State funding has been approved for harbour development works in Skibbereen, Baltimore, Kinsale and Bantry by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
In Baltimore a Sailing Club Slipway extension has been allocated €35,000 and in Bantry a Sailing Club Pontoon will get funding of €70,000. See full breakdown below.
In many cases works might involve the completion of a slipway or the construction of a pontoon adding to some other marine leisure developments along the Cork coast over the last 12 months. Royal Cork Yacht Club announced this month a five star grading for its marina in Crosshaven and elsewhere in Cork harbour a new marina has been built at Monkstown.
Development works underway at the harbour in Baltimore this week. Photo: Tom MacSweeney
The announcement by Minister Leo Varadkar sees the Baltimore and Skibbereen harbour board and the Kinsale harbour board each receive €1.25 million to fund essential remedial works. The Bantry Bay harbour commission will also receive €140,000.
This is a substantial investment that will considerably improve the operational capacity of each harbour, which will in turn have positive knock-on effects for the local economy and the environment.
The Baltimore and Skibbereen harbour, and the Kinsale harbour were recently transferred from the Department of Transport to Cork County Council and as part of that process, a two-year commitment to fund essential remedial works by the Department was agreed.
Local TD Michael McCarth of the Labour party said "I welcome the allocation of these monies and am glad the Government continue to recognise the importance of up-keeping and maintaining our local harbours, which are often important focal points for rural communities."
Harbour Funding 2012
Baltimore & Skibbereen
Western Pier final account €39,000
RoRo Slipway final account €21,000
North Pier extension final account €25,000
North Pier Phase 1 final works and account €150,000
North Pier Phase 2 works underway €745,000
Sailing Club Slipway completion of works €35,000
Proposed Inner Harbour Pontoon €70,000
Breakwater Design completion €30,000
Foreshore Licence Fees €135,000
€1,250,000
Kinsale
Commercial Town Pier contract retention €30,000
Adam’s Quay completion of work on site €555,000
Lobster Quay works completion €90,000
Fisherman’s Pontoon Remedial Works €140,000
Commercial Pier extension Phase 1 €435,000
€1,250,000
Bantry Bay
Sailing Club Pontoon €70,000
Pier Derrick €70,000
€ 140,000
