Bantry Bay Port Company has announced Kealkill National School as winners of ‘Best Overall Project’ in this year’s primary schools initiative. Local 5th class primary schools were invited to take part and submit a project based on the theme ‘A Day in the Life of a Cruise Liner Visiting Bantry Bay’. Dromore National School won a prize for ‘Best Artwork’.

The following schools took part in the Bantry Bay Port Company’s first schools initiative; Dromore National School, Drimoleague National School, St Finbarr’s National School Bantry, Our Lady of Mercy National School Bantry and Kealkill National School.

Commenting on the ‘Best Overall Project’, John Mullins Chairman of Bantry Bay Port Company said: ‘Kealkill National School’s project was very creative and visual. The standard was very high among the schools that participated, however Kealkill National School came up with a very clever way of highlighting the tourist attractions and places to visit for cruise passengers visiting the area. Their project was interactive and fun and we are delighted to announce them as overall winners.’

All of these schools who participated receive a boat trip to Garnish Island, compliments of Bantry Bay Port Company and each school will also receive a certificate of participation. KealKill National School will be treated to an extra prize for winning ‘Best Overall Project’ and will get a kayaking trip along the Bantry Blueway for their class.

Mr Mullins said while the primary schools initiative is in the first year, they were very pleased five schools had taken part. ‘We have run a similar initiative in the Port of Cork for the last eleven years and it works really well. It’s a great way for primary school children to learn about the history and the economic benefit of their local harbour or port and what it brings to their town or region. We hope to continue to run this initiative and grow it over the years to come in Bantry.’

#BantryUpgrade - Following a public tender process, BAM Civil Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor by Bantry Bay Port Company to undertake the new Bantry Inner Harbour Development, as reported earlier today on Afloat.ie.

This development marks the start of the regeneration of Bantry inner harbour which is in keeping with the total Inner Harbour Development scheme which was developed by the Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners in 2012.

With phase 1 of the project expected to cost in the region of €8.5 million, funding for the project has been made available from the Port of Cork Company, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and from previous funds carried over from Bantry Harbour Commissioners.

As well as providing a more sheltered harbour environment and marina with increased water depth, the development will also see the pier facilities improved and a new quayside area which will support and promote fishing and tourism activities in the Bantry area.

With construction expected to commence in late February/early March 2016, Bantry Bay Port Company is hoping to complete the development by Q3 2017.

Speaking at the announcement in Bantry, Bantry Bay Port Company and Port of Cork chairman John Mullins said: "BAM Civil is the largest civil engineering and public works contractor in Ireland and Bantry Bay Port Company is very excited to be working with them on the new inner harbour development."

Also attending the announcement was Brendan Keating, CEO of the Port of Cork and director of Bantry Bay Port, who said: "This is without doubt a big joint investment by Bantry Bay Port Company, the Port of Cork and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

"However, the benefits to the local area are second to none and we anticipate that this development will provide a critical kickstart for the marine leisure industry and we are confident it will attract more marine tourism to the Bantry area."

Once complete, the Bantry Inner Harbour Development will ensure vessels no longer lie aground when beside the pier. The quayside reclamation area will provide an increased foot print for marine-related activities, making the pier safer environment for all users.

The new 20-berth marina will provide improved berthage for local and visiting yachts to safely moor and access the town centre. Dredging will be carried out on the existing pier and new marina facilities, allowing access at all stages of the tide.

A new amenity area will also be developed in consultation with Cork County Council and the local community. And a full traffic and pedestrian mobility management plan will be implemented to ensure access to the pier is maintained at all times during the construction phase.

The announcement comes just months after the launch of the Bantry Blueway connecting the port with water trails of up to 9km for kayakers along the Wild Atlantic Way.