Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, today announced the allocation of €37.3m for capital projects in 2023 in Ireland’s six state-owned Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth through the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

The Minister noted “The six Fishery Harbour Centres are critical infrastructure for our seafood industry. Approximately 90% of all fish landings into Ireland come through these facilities. This demonstrates how successful these Harbours have become as economic hubs for the Seafood industry. The continuous development of the infrastructure in these Harbours has been critical to the fishing fleet and the land-based seafood processing industry. These Harbours are the economic development drivers for the largely peripheral coastal communities and hinterlands where they are located. The Government is committed to continuing to develop these Harbours to underpin our seafood industry and drive on economic development in these areas.”

Senator Sean Kyne, Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD, Anne Rabbitte TD and Eamon O'Cuiv TD at Ros an Mhíl where €16m will be invested in the Deep Water Quay project in 2023

The Minister added that “Ireland's 200 miles Exclusive Economic zone provides rich nursery and fishing grounds for our own fleet and for other EU fleets. The Irish Seafood industry and Government, working on the strategy set out by the industry led Seafood Taskforce, are committed to overcoming current challenges and building a strong sustainable Irish seafood industry on a bedrock of sustainably managed fish stocks. A critical element for the future of our fisheries dependant coastal communities is top class landing infrastructure, where a modern seafood industry can operate effectively and be efficiently serviced. Our geographic position close to the fishing grounds and the likely rising real cost of energy in the coming decades provide a strategic opportunity for our harbours and coastal communities to become growing seafood hubs offering best facilities that attract landings from a greater portion of the fish caught in our 200 mile zone. This will help realise the maximum opportunities for primary and secondary processing of seafood in Ireland and provide for a strong Irish seafood processing industry to service our fishing fleet and others and maintain these coastal communities. These are the reasons why I am announcing this significant Government capital investment programme in our Fishery Harbour Centres today.”

In addition to the Fisheries and Seafood Production industries, the Fishery Harbour Centres are accommodating an ever-increasing amount of diverse marine commercial business, including commercial cargo traffic, cruise liners, restaurants and other leisure, tourism and social activities. All of these activities complement the critical economic activity generated by our fishing industry and help to maintain the vitality of these coastal communities.

€7.5m will be invested in the Smooth Point Pier Extension, Killybegs flagship project in 2023

In 2021, approximately 88% of the sea fish landed in the state was into the six Fishery Harbour Centres. For 2021, Bord Iascaigh Mhara reported that the Irish seafood industry contributed €1.26 billion to the Irish economy.

Two flagship projects are already contracted under the 2023 Programme. These include the Deep Water Quay at Ros an Mhíl (€16m in 2023) for which the Minister announced a contractor had been appointed in December 2022 and the ongoing Smooth Point pier extension at Killybegs (€7.5m in 2023) which should be substantially completed this year. The funding announcement will also enable completion of the major Castletownbere development project which the Department has been undertaking for the last four years.

The Programme also supports maintenance at Cape Clear and a small number of piers, lights and beacons around the coast in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board Piers, Lights and Beacons Act. Additionally, the Department’s commitment to supporting the Government’s environmental and sustainability objectives is demonstrated with a number of pertinent projects planned under this year’s programme including changeovers to energy efficient lighting and power and water metering to monitor resource consumption.

The Minister concluded by saying that “Fishing has always been of significant social and economic importance to Ireland with over 16,000 direct and indirect jobs across fisheries, aquaculture, processing and ancillary sectors and the seafood industry plays a vital role in the sustainable economic viability of many coastal communities across Ireland. With this €37.3m announcement and my recent announcement of €55.3m investment this year in 164 public marine infrastructure projects in Local Authority piers, under the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-23, I believe this unprecedented investment in state-of the-art facilities around the coast reinforces this Government’s strong commitment to support the seafood industry, other marine related industries and coastal communities”

The funding provided under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme is in addition to the funding of €55.3m for the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-23 gov.ie - McConalogue announces increased Brexit Investment in Public Marine Infrastructure - total now €55.3 million (www.gov.ie) which the Minister announced in December 2022. That scheme provides funding to local authorities to revitalise Ireland’s public marine infrastructure.

The table above provides the details of the overall Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2023. Funding for the Programme comes from the Department’s Vote and the Fishery Harbour Centre Fund.

The Fishery Harbour Centres and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme delivers on Action 174 of the Balanced Regional Development Section in the Programme for Government to “Invest strategically in harbour infrastructure to attract increased landings into Ireland of sustainably caught fish in our waters, driving the development of the seafood processing sector and the blue economy in coastal communities.”

The Programme also delivers on Action MA/23/10 of The Marine Environment section of the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2023 to “Reduce fossil fuel dependency/consumption across Fishery Harbour Centre infrastructure”

The opinion is divided in Donaghadee about the Ards and North Down Borough Council plans to create within the harbour a 'recreational area' outside of the inner portion but still within harbour limits. The recreational area would be a safe area for non-motorised craft and swimmers to use, without fear of collisions with motorised craft.

Donaghadee Harbour lies on the north County Down coast and is a picturesque port in which the lifeboat Saxon has its home along with several boats on moorings and some small working fishing and tourist vessels. It has always been an irresistible attraction for those keen on jumping into and swimming in the sheltered (in most wind directions) waters.

At present, as well as those swimming within the harbour, many use the slipway to the west. The recreational area would be clearly identified on signage and demarcated by buoys throughout the bay.

Donaghadee Harbour lies on the north County Down coast and is a picturesque port

The Council says that all its harbours currently have restrictions in place to prohibit swimming within the inner harbour area where vessels may be manoeuvring. However, every summer the Harbour Master must continually challenge people who are either unaware of the restrictions or unwilling to abide by them. Donaghadee has a considerable number of daily kayakers and paddle boarders and the interestingly named Chunky Dunkers sea swimmers' group, who for the most part operate outside of the inner harbour and officers are keen to find a balance between the necessary safety considerations and the encouragement of these healthy activities.

It could be said that swimming in a restricted area isn't the same as the fun to be had jumping into the deep harbour!

In preparation for summer, officers wish to increase general awareness of the restrictions and hazards with the introduction of new, improved signage at all Council harbours. The signage will highlight potential hazards to harbour users and list all restrictions and prohibitions, such as swimming. It will also show the exact location using the "what3words" system.

Councillor Janice McArthur represents Donaghadee on the Council. Her attention was drawn to the fact that nowhere in the proposal does it mention that the recreational area dries out at low tide she replies, " Yes, that's a given.

However, people can, if competent, use the area beyond this. The key thing is that they do not use the working harbour space. The designated area, although tidal, is also a safe zone". She continued, "The use of paddleboards is becoming increasingly popular too so it provides a safe recreational area for this to take place. The proposal has received considerable support locally but Council officers will consult with stakeholders".
Regarding the slipway which is used by the sailing club, it was confirmed that craft launching from the jetty would have precedence.

And resident Robert Neill is cautious. " Swimmers really only go in at high tide (ie the Chunky Dunkers) so at least they are protected - don't think it will look very attractive".

John Caldwell, Hon Secretary of the Donaghadee Community Development Association, said, "The Association supports the idea. We want Donaghadee to be safely enjoyed by everyone, and the harbour and seafront are very popular with swimmers, kayakers and sailors. The harbour does, of course, need to continue to operate as a harbour and zoning off an area for recreational use strikes an appropriate balance between this and the needs of those wishing to take part in activities other than sailing."

Martin Strain of the Chunky Dunkers swim group says that " at this very early point we would give it a cautious welcome. Fundamental matters such as its precise area, how and who is going to 'police' it remain important issues that will ultimately determine the success or otherwise of the plan. However, generally speaking, we welcome any input or recognition by the Council that there is a burgeoning interest in water sports of all kinds in our town and that as ratepayers we are entitled to some Council funded facilities".

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, today announced details of a €2.2m package to assist 13 Coastal Local Authorities undertake and complete 52 development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by them (see table for details). The package provides funding for maintenance and repair works in addition to supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour facilities including some marine leisure developments.

The Minister said “I am delighted to announce the continuation of our programme to assist Coastal Local Authorities in the repair and development of fishery and aquaculture linked marine infrastructures under their ownership”.

The Local Authority programme forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines’ 2018 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, whereby the Department co-funds up to 75% of the total cost of approved capital projects with the Local Authority providing the balance. 

The Minister went on to say “The Local Authority owned harbours in receipt of funding under this year’s programme are essential to the wellbeing of rural coastal communities and play an important social and economic role in their respective localities by contributing to the ongoing development of fishing and aquaculture related activities, increasing participation in marine leisure, and augmenting measures to attract greater numbers of tourists all of which generate an environment for job creation” 

Minister Creed concluded the announcement by saying “The €2.2m I have made available in 2018 is testament to my commitment to assist in the ongoing economic and social development in our rural coastal communities.

Minister Creed concluded the announcement by saying “The €2.2m I have made available in 2018 is testament to my commitment to assist in the ongoing economic and social development in our rural coastal communities. The diverse range of projects approved for funding under the programme are geographically spread across 13 Local Authorities and will not only create much needed local employment over the time span of the projects, but equally will further enhance the amenities provided to the wider Marine community in these coastal areas.”

The recent vote by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLR) effectively recommends that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport dissolve the Harbour Company and transfer its assets to the County Council. The right to do this is given to the Minister under Article 28 of the Harbours Act 2015, and, importantly, this action is strongly supported by the Nationals Ports Policy.

The debate in the Council Chambers showed that there is an appetite to bring the harbour under the auspices of the County Council, not only amongst the Councillors but also at senior management level. In recommending this course of action, Philomena Poole, DLR’s CEO, addressing the council, stated that this was an “opportunity to use government policy for the betterment of the county and to ensure the integration at a policy and development level of the harbour”.

However, there is the small question of who pays for the works that would put the harbour into a “taking in charge” condition, essentially that state where no capital works are required to prevent further deterioration of the infrastructure. Consultants employed by the County Council estimate this to be €33m, of which approximately €7m covers the outer piers and €8m is for repairing berth no 1 on the East Pier. Councillors were unanimous that the €33m was not something that the county council could or should underwrite and this hot potato was very firmly hurled towards national government. Ironically, recent damage to East Pier during Storm Emma highlighted how DLHC is unsustainable an entity.

There were strong opinions expressed during the debate about the role of the Harbour Company, none of them positive, not only concerning the Harbour Company’s recent progress or lack of it, but also about the non–cooperation with the consultants as they endeavoured to calculate the liabilities. Several referred to the “dysfunctionality” of the Harbour Company while Councillor John Bailey was particularly scathing of the Harbour’s approach noting that the Harbour Company “is dead, not even on life support.” He was to the forefront amongst Councillors concerned that the ‘snapshot’ provided by the consultants through the risk report fell short of the information that would be available in a due diligence report.

A number of motions were withdrawn before the final vote in the interest of getting the principal motion passed. One of these suggested that the Minister effectively impose a “cease and desist” order on the Harbour Company to restrict, inter alia, any transfer of assets and new leases or rental agreements. At present the Harbour Company are actively seeking expressions of interest in the Carlisle Pier regeneration, conducting a “market consultation” on the provision of a national watersport centre and entering a procurement process for the provision of floating homes in the Coal Harbour.

Another motion that was withdrawn was a proposal to create a Harbour Stakeholder’s Committee.

The activity in the Council Chamber begs the question where next? Those who were seeking to engage with the Harbour Company on current projects must be concerned about the longer term viability. With the future governance of the harbour in doubt, where do the current planning applications for developments on harbour lands fit in?

While the County Council vote is indicative of the intent of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, it is perhaps only the beginning of the end and maybe even back to the drawing board for a new master plan for the harbour.

The council meeting heard that the decision to transfer is wholly reserved to the Minister for Transport. 

Is it a bright new future or same old same old for the 200–year–old harbour?

Clearly the ball is now firmly in the Minister’s court.

Read also: Without a Harbour Czar, Dun Laoghaire’s All at Sea

Flooding in South Dublin coastal towns and villages came when high tides arrived at lunch time today.

In Bulloch Harbour in Dalkey, on the southern tip of Dublin Bay, storm waves swept through the harbour as Bay waters threatened the top of the quay.

At nearby Coliemore Harbour a boat was capsized in the small harbour in Dalkey Sound

Coliemore harbour Photo: Michael Chester

At Dun Laoghaire Harbour, boats are snug in the country's biggest marina but there is reported damage to pontoons and boats moored elsewhere.

At Seapoint, in Monkstown, County Dublin the shoreline railway there resembles a canal as Storm Emma continues to rage this afternoon.

The scene in Sandycove, County Dublin where mountainous seas caused local flooding.

Waves pound Newtownsmith at Sandycove. Photo: Michael Chester

Despite warnings to the public to stay out of the water, a woman swimmer had to be rescued from the harbour in Sandycove.

A swimmer had to be rescued from the sea at the Forty Foot in Sandycove today. Very high tides and rough conditions in the area. #StormEmma Video credit: Simon Johnston pic.twitter.com/030kKQ94LU

— Aengus Cox (@AengusCox) March 2, 2018

Earlier today, as Afloat.ie reported here, breaking waves in north Dublin at Howth have caused damaged to a  pierside shed where some historic yachts are stored. 

Today's high tide at noon added to Howth's storm problems with the northeast gale little eased, and the waves continuously sweeping over the East Pier. While the actual damage timeline is still confused, it may well be that the worst of the destruction to the sheds at the end of the pier housing seven of the Howth 17s did not occur until around 1.30pm today, with reports of at least two boats seriously damaged

Howth harbour today Photo: W M Nixon

#PortumnaHarbour - Motorhome bye-laws for the newly refurbished Portumna Harbour are being redrafted over a legal issue.

And it could be two months before the new regulations are in place, according to Galway Bay FM.

The redeveloped harbour on Waterways Ireland’s Shannon Navigation was only opened to the public last month, with upgraded marina berths and improved parking facilities to accommodate camper vans, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

The Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, Mr. Seán Canney, T.D., today opened the refurbished Harbour and Amenity Park on the Shannon Navigation in Portumna. Developed by Waterways Ireland, Galway County Council and the Office of Public Works and jointly funded by Fáilte Ireland under the Lough Derg Stimulus Fund the €750k project involved harbour and onshore works.

The harbour works included the doubling of the moorings space capacity at this ever popular location, upgrade of berths, re-paving of the quay area, installation of cut stone walls and installation of a hoist for disabled boaters. The onshore works included the upgrade of the service block (with toilets and showers), car parking and access road. A further development of integrated services for camper vans has also been completed which will see for the first time the provision of facilities and services for the growing numbers of visiting camper vans to Ireland.

Commenting at the redevelopment, Minister Canney said “The improvement works undertaken here at Portumna Harbour have been extensive and will prove important in increasing visitor numbers to this scenic area of County Galway. The project, funded jointly by Fáilte Ireland and developed by the Office of Public Works, Galway County Council and Waterways Ireland, will make an excellent facility for boaters, tourists and those who enjoy waterway activities. I have no doubt that this facility will develop and promote activity tourism and will add to this region’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most attractive and enjoyable destinations for visitors from both at home and abroad which is one of the key elements of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development.”

This project has been funded by Fáilte Ireland and administered through the Lough Derg Marketing Group. A key element of the Lough Derg Marketing Group is product development and all the agencies engaged in the Group including Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, the Local Authorities, Inland Fisheries Ireland and private sector representatives have worked collaboratively to deliver the Lough Derg Roadmap, the strategic tourism development plan for the region.

Dawn Livingstone, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland stated “Portumna is a key destination and gateway on the Shannon Navigation area for domestic and international visitors. The development here in Portumna is part of our strategy in Waterways Ireland and is key in encouraging further economic activity in the town and indeed wider Lough Derg."

Waterways Ireland will continue to work in partnership to develop new projects which benefit the people living along the Shannon as well as visitors and tourists.

Following a campaign by Bray Harbour Action Group (BHAG) to deal with a silt–up of the county Wicklow Harbour, BHAG met with Bray Municipal District Councillors yesterday.

Speaking after the meeting BHAG chairman Ger Crowley said” We have a duty of care to maintain and enhance Bray Harbour for our youth and future generations as a vibrant active leisure, sports and commercial area.

BHAG are very pleased, he continued, with the opportunity to share our vision for Bray Harbour with key decision makers of Bray.

The harbour is a great asset that can be put to use to benefit all the people of Bray. Many seaside towns would envy the infrastructure that we already have already in place by way of harbour walls within which to develop, easy access to the promenade and the town and we are readily accessible to visitors by road and rail.

Stakeholders - (from left) John McNulty, Bray Adventures Ronan Laffan, Bray Sailing Club, Tony Foran, Bray Harbour Mooring Holders' Association, Greg Mulvaney, Bray Head Fishing and Social Club, Ger Crowley, Chairman BHAG with a model to show how Bray harbour could be improved

We believe, he continued, that for a relatively modest investment the harbour can again become a safe docking and berthing facility for coastal cruises and visiting boats bringing many visitors to the town. It can also become a centre for water sports and commercial water based activities.

An aerial view of Bray harbour showing the current silt–up of sand in the Wicklow leisure port

Speaking after the meeting, Ger said, BHAG welcomes the invitation from Bray Municipal District Councillors to form a Joint Working Group to explore how to maximise the potential of Bray Harbour and looks forward to working in close cooperation with Councillors and Officials to achieve positive outcomes.

He cautioned, however, that failure to deal with the build-up of sand in the harbour quickly and efficiently would not only put plans for the future in jeopardy but could lead to the early demise of the harbour as a valuable recreational amenity

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, today announced details of a €2.8m package to assist 13 Coastal Local Authorities undertake and complete 51 development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by them (see table below for details). The package provides funding for maintenance and repair works in addition to supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour facilities including some marine leisure developments.

The Minister said” I am delighted to announce the continuation of our programme to assist Coastal Local Authorities in the repair and development of fishery and aquaculture linked infrastructure in small harbours under their ownership.”

The Local Authority programme forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines’ 2017 Fishery harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, whereby the Department co-funds up to 75% the total cost of approved projects with the Local Authority providing the balance.

The Minister went on to say “The Local Authority owned harbours in receipt of funding under this year’s programme are fundamental to the wellbeing of rural coastal communities and play an important social and economic role in their respective localities by contributing to the ongoing development of fishing related activities, increasing participation in marine leisure, and augmenting measures to attract greater numbers of tourists which ultimately create the environment for job creation”.

Minister Creed concluded the announcement by saying “The €2.8m I have made available in 2017 is testament to my commitment to assist in the ongoing economic and social development in our rural coastal communities. The diverse range of projects approved for funding under the programme are geographically spread across 13 Local Authorities and will not only create much needed local employment over the time span of the projects, but equally will further enhance the amenities provided to the wider Marine community in these coastal areas.”

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine funded Local Authority works 2017

The €2.75 million urban beach proposed for Dun Laoghaire Harbour is 'currently on hold' pending 'organisational restructure', according to a report in the Irish Times. A spokesman for the state company told the newspaper 'we hope to have it back next year in planning next year for opening in 2018'. 

Dun Laoghaire Harbour company is one of the joint funders of the project.

As Afloat.ie previously reported, the Dun Laoghaire project, that is modelled on Berlin's Badeschiff, has an artificial beach at the East Pier and a floating barge that contains a swimming pool. 

It was orginally envisaged to have the swimming pool operational inside Dun Laoghaire harbour in April 2014.

The Dun Laoghaire 'Heated' Baths went out to tender in December 2012. In October 2013 DLRCoCo Applied for a Foreshore Consent for the Baths Refurbishment on the back of the East Pier and at Newtownsmith.

In the Irish Times article, author Justin Comiskey points to the idea that baths projects act as engines of renewal or to give underused urban spaces an identity. Read more here.