What is the Naval Service?

The Naval Service is the Irish State's principal seagoing agency with "a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements". It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles.

Where is the Naval Service based?

The Naval Service is based in Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour, with headquarters in the Defence Forces headquarters in Dublin.

What does the Naval Service do?

The Naval Service provides the maritime component of the Irish State's defence capabilities and is the State's principal seagoing agency. It "protects Ireland's interests at and from the sea, including lines of communication, fisheries and offshore resources" within the Irish exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Naval Service operates jointly with the Army and Air Corps as part of the Irish defence forces.

When was the Naval Service formed?

The Naval Service was established in 1946, replacing the Marine and Coastwatching Service set up in 1939. It had replaced the Coastal and Marine Service, the State's first marine service after independence, which was disbanded after a year. Its only ship was the Muirchú, formerly the British armed steam yacht Helga, which had been used by the Royal Navy to shell Dublin during the 1916 Rising. In 1938, Britain handed over the three "treaty" ports of Cork harbour, Bere haven and Lough Swilly.

How many ships are in the Naval Service?

The Naval Service has nine ships - one Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), two Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and two Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV). Each vessel is equipped with State of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.

What are the Irish Navy ship's names?

The ships' names are prefaced with the title of Irish ship or "long Éireannach" (LE). The older ships bear Irish female names - LÉ Eithne, LÉ Orla, LÉ Ciara, LÉ Roisín, and LÉ Niamh. The newer ships, named after male Irish literary figures, are LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce, LÉ William Butler Yeats and LÉ George Bernard Shaw.

Are Irish Naval Service ships armed?

Yes. The 76mm Oto Melara medium calibre naval armament is the most powerful weapon in the Naval Services arsenal. The 76mm is "capable of engaging naval targets at a range of up to 17km with a high level of precision, ensuring that the Naval Service can maintain a range advantage over all close-range naval armaments and man-portable weapon systems", according to the Defence Forces.

How is the fleet managed and maintained?

The Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training (FORST) unit is responsible for the coordination of the fleet needs. Ships are maintained at the Mechanical Engineering and Naval Dockyard Unit at Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour.

Who is the head of the Irish Naval Service?

The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service (FOCNS) is Commodore Michael Malone. The head of the Defence Forces is a former Naval Service flag officer, now Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett – appointed in 2015 and the first Naval Service flag officer to hold this senior position. The Flag Officer oversees Naval Operations Command, which is tasked with the conduct of all operations afloat and ashore by the Naval Service including the operations of Naval Service ships. The Naval Operations Command is split into different sections, including Operations HQ and Intelligence and Fishery Section.

What is the Intelligence and Fishery Section of the Irish Naval Service?

The Intelligence and Fishery Section is responsible for Naval Intelligence, the Specialist Navigation centre, the Fishery Protection supervisory and information centre, and the Naval Computer Centre. The Naval Intelligence Cell is responsible for the collection, collation and dissemination of naval intelligence. The Navigation Cell is the naval centre for navigational expertise.

What is the Fishery Monitoring Centre?

The Fishery Monitoring Centre provides for fishery data collection, collation, analysis and dissemination to the Naval Service and client agencies, including the State's Sea Fisheries Protection Agency. The centre also supervises fishery efforts in the Irish EEZ and provides data for the enhanced effectiveness of fishery protection operations, as part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Naval Computer Centre provides information technology (IT) support service to the Naval Service ashore and afloat.

How are shore operations managed?

This headquarters includes specific responsibility for the Executive/Operations Branch duties. The Naval Service Operations Room is a coordination centre for all NS current Operations. The Naval Service Reserve Staff Officer is responsible for the supervision, regulation and training of the reserve. The Diving section is responsible for all aspects of Naval diving and the provision of a diving service to the Naval Service and client agencies. The Ops Security Section is responsible for the coordination of base security and the coordination of all shore-based security parties operating away from the Naval base. The Naval Base Comcen is responsible for the running of a communications service. Boat transport is under the control of Harbour Master Naval Base, who is responsible for the supervision of berthage at the Naval Base and the provision of a boat service, including the civilian manned ferry service from Haulbowline.

Does the Naval Service undertake overseas missions?

Naval Service ships have undertaken trade and supply missions abroad, and personnel have served as peacekeepers with the United Nations. In 2015, Naval Service ships were sent on rotation to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean as part of a bi-lateral arrangement with Italy, known as Operation Pontus. Naval Service and Army medical staff rescued some 18,000 migrants, either pulling people from the sea or taking them off small boats, which were often close to capsizing having been towed into open water and abandoned by smugglers. Irish ships then became deployed as part of EU operations in the Mediterranean, but this ended in March 2019 amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the EU.

How can I join the Irish Naval Service?

Essentially, you have to be Irish, young (less than 32), in good physical and mental health and with normal vision. You must be above 5'2″, and your weight should be in keeping with your age.

Are there women in the Naval Service?

Yes, women have been recruited since 1995. One of the first two female cadets, Roberta O'Brien from the Glen of Aherlow in Co Tipperary, became its first female commander in September 2020. Sub Lieutenant Tahlia Britton from Donegal also became the first female diver in the navy's history in the summer of 2020.

What is a Naval Service Officer cadet?

A naval cadet enlists for a cadetship to become an officer in the Defence Forces. After successfully completing training at the Naval Service College, a cadet is commissioned into the officer ranks of the Naval Service as a Ensign or Sub Lieutenant.

What training is involved in becoming a Naval Service officer cadet?

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign.

What qualifications are required to become a cadet?

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign. The Defence Forces say it is looking for people who have "the ability to plan, prioritise and organise", to "carefully analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions, who have "clear, concise and effective communication skills", and the ability to "motivate others and work with a team". More information is on the 2020 Qualifications Information Leaflet.

When can I apply to become a Naval Service cadet?

When you are 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition, the officer cadet competition is held annually and is the only way for potential candidates to join the Defence Forces to become a Naval Service officer. Candidates undergo psychometric and fitness testing, an interview and a medical exam.

Where is the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI)?

The NMCI was built beside the Naval Service base at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and was the first third-level college in Ireland to be built under the Government's Public-Private Partnership scheme. The public partners are the Naval Service and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and the private partner is Focus Education.

What is a Naval Service recruit?

A Naval Service recruit enlists for general service in the "Other Ranks" of the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the initial recruit training course, a recruit passes out as an Ordinary Seaman and will then go onto their branch training course before becoming qualified as an Able Body sailor in the Naval Service.

What qualifications are required to become a Naval Service recruit?

No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. You need to satisfy the interview board and the recruiting officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.

What training is involved in becoming a Naval Service recruit?

Recruit training is 18 weeks in duration and is designed to "develop a physically fit, disciplined and motivated person using basic military and naval skills" to "prepare them for further training in the service. Recruits are instilled with the Naval Service ethos and the values of "courage, respect, integrity and loyalty".

What is a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) career training?

On the progression up through the various ranks, an Able Rate will have to complete a number of career courses to provide them with training to develop their skills in a number of areas, such as leadership and management, administration and naval/military skills. The first of these courses is the Naval Service Potential NCO course, followed by the Naval Service Standard NCO course and the Naval Service senior NCO course. This course qualifies successful candidates of Petty officer (or Senior Petty Officer) rank to fill the rank of Chief Petty Officer upwards. The successful candidate may also complete and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership, Management and Naval Studies in partnership with Cork Institute of Technology.

What is pay like in the Naval Service?

Pay has long been an issue for just the Naval Service, at just over 1,000 personnel. Cadets and recruits are required to join the single public service pension scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme, based on career-average earnings. For current rates of pay, see the Department of Defence website

Harbours

3rd May 2021

€38.3m for Capital Projects at Ireland’s Six Fishery Harbour Centres

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, announced this morning details of a €38.3m Capital Investment Package for the ongoing development of Ireland’s publicly owned harbour network including 79 Local Authority Harbours across 12 coastal Local Authorities.

See funding allocations below

In announcing the 2021 programme, the Minister said, “I am delighted to announce this €38.3 million capital investment package in our six Fishery Harbour Centres and 79 Local Authority owned piers and harbours around our coast which underlines the importance this Government places on the contribution of the wider Seafood sector to Ireland’s economy and to rural coastal communities in particular.”

Essential repairs to a fisherman's pontoon have been granted €72,750 and slipway improvement works were awarded €60,000 at Kinsale Harbour in West Cork

The Local Authority programme which forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines’ 2021 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, whereby the Department co-funds up to 75% of the total cost of approved projects with the Local Authority providing the balance (see table 1 below).

In regard to the Local Authority scheme, the Minister stated, “It was important to me to place added importance on the Local Authority scheme this year and I am pleased to be to in a position to announce an enhanced €4.2 million programme in 2021 to assist Coastal Local Authorities in the repair and development of fishery and aquaculture linked marine infrastructures under their ownership. This year I have redirected savings due to Covid limitations on other projects to increase the monies available to the Local Authorities resulting in a 35% increase in 2020 allocations. Together with funding from Local Authorities, the total amount to be invested in local piers and harbours in 2021 under this scheme comes to €5.6 million.”

€30,000 has been granted for the installation of a pontoon at the West Pier in Dun Laoghaire Harbour

Minister McConologue went on to say, “The €4.2 million package I am making available this year provides funding for a diverse suite of 79 projects geographically spread across 12 Local Authorities which will improve the amenities provided to the wider Marine community in these coastal areas. It will provide a much needed economic boost to rural coastal communities particularly in these trying times and also make them more attractive to tourists in the longer term. During the pandemic, we have become more aware than ever of the importance of our outdoor spaces and local amenities. The continued upgrading and refurbishment of our local piers and harbours will support local fishers, tourism and will have numerous knock-on benefits for local economies. This again demonstrates our Government’s commitment to rural Ireland.”

New development works are budgeted for at the Fishery Harbour at Howth in County Dublin

Overall, the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme provides funding for safety, maintenance and new development works at the six Fishery Harbour Centres at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Ros An Mhíl and Killybegs (see Table 2 below).

The primary function of the Fishery Harbour Centres is to underpin the ongoing development of the fisheries and seafood processing sectors, while also facilitating other diverse marine-related activities.

The Minister said, “Critically, this year’s funding for the Fishery Harbour Centres provides for the completion of three strategically important projects in Castletownbere, Killybegs and Howth, delivering an additional 460 metres of berthing space in the respective harbours. These projects have experienced delays as a result of the necessary Covid restrictions. This is in accordance with Action 65 of my Department’s 2021 Action Plan. Additionally, a number of new projects are commencing across the six Fishery Harbour Centres continuing the improvements being made in facilities available to fishermen and other harbour users."

The Minister concluded by saying “All told, €140 million has been invested in the Fishery Harbour Centres between 2010 and 2020, with a further €31 million invested in Local Authority owned marine infrastructure over the same period. This years €38.3 million investment in 2021 will create short term employment in some of the most rural coastal communities during the works, as well as reinforcing the strategies for diversification and to develop an environment for long term, sustainable economic opportunities around our coast.”

Table 1: The 79 approved capital projects across 12 Coastal Local Authorities approved for funding in 2021

County Council	Location	Works		Total Project Cost €		Grant Aid Approved by DAFM €
Clare County Council	Bournapeaka Pier (Ballyaughan)	Pier Repairs		200,000		150,000
	Seafield Pier, Quilty	The installation of a crane to enable the fishermen to safely load and offload their boats.		35,000		26,250
	Doolin Pier	Pier upgrades including installation of additional mooring bollards.		73,718		55,289
	Carrowmore Slipway, Doonbeg	Reconstruction of the slipway wall.		30,000		22,500
	Seafield Pier, Quilty	Repairs to pier		5,000		3,750
	Doonmore Pier, Doonbeg	Provision of floating ramped access platform, to provide easy access between the pier & the floating pontoon platform.		35,000		26,250
	Carrigaholt (old) Pier	Repairs and upgrade to pier		32,000		24,000
	Carrigaholt (old) Pier	Repairs to quay wall		10,000		7,500
	Seafield Pier, Quilty	Repairs to quay wall and slipway		25,000		18,750
	Total Clare County Council		445,718		334,289
Cork County Council	Kinsale Harbour - Fisherman's Pontoon Phase 1	Essential Pontoon Repairs		97,000		72,750
	Keelbeg	Safety Improvement Works		200,000		150,000
	Ballycotton Pier	Pier Improvement Works:		60,000		45,000
	Ballycrovane Pier	Pier improvement works and safety signage		55,000		41,250
	Kinsale Harbour - Slips Phase 1	Slip Improvement works to various slips and safety signage		80,000		60,000
	Traavarra	Pier Remedial /Safety Improvement Works and safety signage		30,000		22,500
	Zetland Pier	Safety Improvement Works and safety signage.		124,000		93,000
	Total Cork County Council		646,000		484,500
Donegal County Council	Leenan Slipway	Construction of slipway.		200,000		150,000
	Portnoo Crane	Installation of a pier crane and associated works.		80,000		60,000
	Greencastle	Electrical upgrade and installation of CCTV		80,000		60,000
	Ballyshannon	Slipway Repair		40,000		30,000
	Downings	Repair works		40,000		30,000
	Bunaninver	Pier head repairs and provision of signage and railings.		30,000		22,500
	Binwee (Magheragallon)	Pier upgrade works.		30,000		22,500
	Bundoran Pier	Pier repairs and upgrade		40,000		30,000
	Portnablagh Pier	Pier and slipway upgrade, signage railings etc.		30,000		22,500
	Mevagh	Installation of berthing pontoon and access gangway		200,000		150,000
	Lahardan	Breakwater repairs		40,000		30,000
	Ballywhoriskey	New pontoon, anchors and access gangway.		40,000		30,000
	Total Donegal County Council		850,000		637,500
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council	Coliemore Harbour	Remedial repairs.		100,000		75,000
	Traders Wharf, Dun Laoghaire Harbour	Water and electrical upgrades		45,000		33,750
	West Pier, Dun Laoghaire Harbour	Installation of pontoon.		40,000		30,000
	Total Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council		185,000		138,750
Fingal County Council	Loughshinny Harbour	Reconditioning and re-strengthening of pavement and sea wall and ancillaries		80,000		60,000
	Skerries	Replacement of existing AToN serving Skerries Harbour, Replacement of existing fenders serving the outer pier at Skerries Harbour		70,000		52,500
	Balbriggan Harbour	Replacement and installation of 3 x ladders serving Balbriggan Harbour		40,000		30,000
	Total Fingal County Council		190,000		142,500
Galway County Council	Inisboffin Harbour	Upgrade works, safety works, replace moorings etc.		138,984		104,238
	Cleggan	Repair and upgrading works to pier and crane		90,800		68,100
	Safety Bundle 1. Aughrusmor, Ard Mór Pier, Kilkieran, Aibhnin, Maumeen, Caladh Feenish, Trawbaun	Safety works		75,000		56,250
	Derryinver	Repair works and safety signage		50,000		37,500
	An tOilean Mór	Repair and safety works and safety signage		22,000		16,500
	Safety Bunde 2. Rinville, Blackweir, Killeenaran, Tarrea, Kinvarra, Parkmore, Newtown Lynch Pier	Repair works and safety signage		50,000		37,500
	Garafin - Rosmuc	Repair and safety works and safety signage		34,000		25,500
	Total Galway County Council		460,784		345,588
Kerry County Council	Dún Chaoin Pier	Repair works and development of new slipway		100,000		75,000
	Knightstown Marina	Replace breakwater pontoon and electrical bollards at Knightstown Marina		145,000		108,750
	Dooneen Pier (Feohanagh)	Repair works		40,000		30,000
	Total Kerry County Council		285,000		213,750
Mayo County Council	Porturlin Harbour	Improvement works on the Pier/sea wall		200,000		150,000
	Purteen Harbour Achill	Remediation works on slipway and safety improvement works.		45,000		33,750
	Roigh	Remedial works on pier.		70,000		52,500
	Rinroe Pier, Kilgalligan	Safety improvement works, replacement of ladders and railings		60,000		45,000
	Killerduff Pier	Remove rocks and debris from harbour area. Repairs to slipway and breakwater wall.		60,000		45,000
	Belderrig Pier	Safety improvement works, including replacement of the existing winch system, ladders and railings.		150,000		112,500
	Kilcummin Harbour	Repairs to old breakwater wall, and safety works to slipway and pier.		100,000		75,000
	Mulranny	Remedial works to pier / sea wall.		150,000		112,500
	Total Mayo County Council		835,000		626,250
Sligo County Council	Aughris Pier	Repairs to pier.		70,000		52,500
	Easkey Pier	Pier repairs		200,000		150,000
	Total Sligo County Council		270,000		202,500
Waterford County Council	Helvick Pier	Pier upgrades		200,000		150,000
	Tramore North Pier	Pier upgrade and remediation works		200,000		150,000
	Cheekpoint Pier	Pier repair, upgrade and remediation works..		200,000		150,000
	Ballinacourty Pier	Pier repairs and small scale dredging.		70,000		52,500
	Bunmahon Slipway - West Side	installation of handrails to existing slipway for health and safety improvements.		10,000		7,500
	Total Waterford County Council		680,000		510,000
Wexford County Council	Kilmore Quay 1	Upgrade of power points		80,000		60,000
	Kilmore Quay 2	Repair to Quay walls		25,000		18,750
	Duncannon 1	New Waste Oil Tank		20,000		15,000
	Kilmore Quay 3	Mooring Bollards		25,000		18,750
	Fethard harbour	Public lighting of harbour		40,000		30,000
	Ballyhack	Mooring rings, repointing		30,000		22,500
	Wexford Harbour 1	Remedial works to Ferrybank slipway		30,000		22,500
	Kilmore Quay 4	Access ladder on west pier		18,000		13,500
	Wexford Harbour 2	Power supply on quay		60,000		45,000
	New Ross Marina	Repair works to marina		25,000		18,750
	Kilmore Quay Marina 1	Repair works to marina		30,000		22,500
	Cahore 1	Provide barrier system on slipway		20,000		15,000
	Killurin	Repair of quay walls		12,000		9,000
	Kilmore Quay Marina 2	Painting of marina piles		30,000		22,500
	Total Wexford County Council		445,000		333,750
Wicklow County Council	Inner Dock, South Quay Arklow and Main Berth on South Quay, Arklow	Replacement of fenders with new fendering system.		60,000		45,000
	South Quay, Wicklow	Pier upgrade, safety works and utility upgrade.		70,000		52,500
	North and South Quay, Arklow	Ladder replacement programme throughout Arklow Harbour - Quays and Piers		45,000		33,750
	South Quay, Arklow Harbour	Upgrading works to the slipway at the Inner Dock, South Quay.		35,000		26,250
	Greystones Harbour	Safety works including installation of demarcation buoys and the provision of a swim raft/platform within the public harbour.		32,000		24,000
	Wicklow Harbour	Repairs and surfacing of sections of the slipway.		30,000		22,500
	Total Wicklow County Council		272,000		204,000
Total Projects Cost		5,564,502
Total Grant Aid Approved				4,173,377

Table 2: The overall Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2021

Location		Project Description	Cost €m
Howth:-		Middle Pier Berthing Face Harbour Workshop Harbour Master & Engineering Office Harbour Dredging Other Contractual Commitments CCTV Upgrade Fishermans’ toilet & shower facility No 11 West Pier Building Upgrade Boat store upgrade Safety and Maintenance Disability Access	6.00 0.90 0.05 0.20 0.30 0.075 0.15 0.25 0.05 0.30 0.02
		Total	8.295
Dunmore East:-		South Pier/Wharf upgrade work Site 18 – Replace building X-Block protection of East Pier breakwater Industrial Effluent Pipeline Water Metering Other Contractual Commitments Safety and Maintenance Disability Access	0.30 0.25 0.60 0.50 0.40 0.05 0.30 0.02
		Total	2.42
Castletownbere:-		Dinish Island pier extension Castletownbere Slipway Mainland Quay Wall repairs Syncrolift Dredging upgrade works Water Metering Re-route Dinish Sewer network Other Contractual Commitments Safety and Maintenance Disability Access	6.8 2.00 0.35 0.70 0.50 0.40 0.65 0.35 0.02
		Total	11.77
Dingle:-		Upgrade Marine Facilities Building Other Contractual Commitments Safety and Maintenance Disability Access	0.50 0.30 0.30 0.02
		Total	1.12
Ros an Mhíl:-	Deep Water Quay Upgrade of Harbour Master offices Net storage Area CCTV upgrade Other Contractual commitments Safety and Maintenance Disability Access			0.10 0.20 0.10 0.03 0.39 0.25 0.02
	Total			1.09
Killybegs:-	Smooth Point Pier Extension (Phase 2) Small Craft Harbour service building Landing Pier Fendering Boat Repair Building Extension Harbour Master stores Plant & Material storage shed in shipyard Other Contractual Commitments Safety and Maintenance Disability Access			6.50 0.65 0.55 0.07 0.25 0.25 0.02 0.40 0.02
	Total			8.71
Total FHC’s				33.405
Cape Clear	Safety and Maintenance Duffy’s Pier remedial works (Phase 2) & road improvement Disability Access			0.04 0.60 0.01
	Total			0.65
Local Authority	Local Authority Programme			4.2
PLBs	Piers, Lights and Beacons			0.024
Total	Total 2021 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme			38.279

Published in Irish Harbours

Tagged under

27th May 2020

Harbours & Slipways of Ards & North Down Reopen

Good news for those boaters keen to get back on the water in Ards and North Down in Northern Ireland.

All the Harbours and slipways operated by Ards and North Down Council will be open from this morning (Wed 27th May) following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

This action is in line with the NI Executive’s announcement last week regarding reopening access to certain outdoor activities, including water sports.

The council asks users to note that:-

All harbour facilities will be operating with additional control measures designed to protect both staff and the public from exposure to, and transmission of, COVID-19 (more details are available at www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/resident/harbours/introduction
All those using the harbours for recreation are asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines and to be considerate to other users.

The harbours include Groomsport, Donaghadee, Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert and Cooke St Pier, Portaferry.

Published in Northern Ireland Waters

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25th March 2020

Vessels May Not Launch: Harsher Restrictions in County Down Harbours

Berth Holders are prevented from launching and mooring of vessels, apart from fishing boats

In a ramping up of curbs on the use of some harbours in County Down, Ards and North Down Council have issued a Notice to Berth Holders preventing the launching and mooring of vessels, apart from fishing boats, in its harbours.

The five locations are Groomsport, Donaghadee, Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert and Cooke St Pier, Portaferry.

It reads:

Due to the Covid-19 all Ards and North Down Harbours are closed until further notice. No vessels other than commercial vessels are to remain in the water during this period.

All others to remain on hard standing until further notice.

Thank you.

Stay In & Stay Safe
Harbour Contacts V H F channel 68
Harbour Master William Angus
Office 02891882377
Mobile 07718579105 or 07718579104

The lift in at Groomsport which was postponed now seems unlikely for some time.

Published in Northern Ireland Waters

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Harbours

27th January 2019

€35.7m in Funding for Capital Projects at Ireland's Fishery Harbour Centres & Public Harbours

€35.7m capital investment package in six Fishery Harbour Centres and other fisheries related marine infrastructure

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., today announced details of a €35.7m Capital Investment Package for the ongoing development of Ireland’s publicly owned harbour network.

In announcing the initiative the Minister said “I am delighted to announce this €35.7m capital investment package in our six Fishery Harbour Centres and other fisheries related marine infrastructure. It represents an increase of €9.4m on the final expenditure on this programme in 2018 and underlines the importance this Government places on the ever significant contribution of the wider Seafood sector to Ireland's economy.”

The Annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme provides funding for safety, maintenance and new development works at the six Fishery Harbour Centres at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Ros An Mhíl and Killybegs (see Table 1 below). The primary function of the Fishery Harbour Centres is to underpin the ongoing development of the fisheries and seafood processing sectors while also facilitating other diversemarine-relatedd activities.

Flagship projects in the 2019 Capital Programme include the continuation of the Dinish Island quay extension at Castletownbere (€17.5m in 2019), the Smooth Point extension Phase 2 at Killybegs (€4.0m in 2019) and the provision of additional berthing space on the Middle Pier in Howth (€4.5m in 2019).

The Minister said “The quay extension projects in Castletownbere, Killybegs and Howth will collectively provide an additional 460 metres of berthing space in the respective harbours recognising the growing levels of fishing activity in particular, but also the increasing demands from other sectors including commercial cargo, leisure and tourism and cruise liners. These projects are also under consideration for co-funding under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund”

€2.48m has been set aside for safety, maintenance and disability access works at the six Fishery Harbour Centres and at North Harbour, Cape Clear which is also owned by the Department. In addition, €2m is earmarked for a Local Authority Harbour Development and Marine Leisure programme to assist coastal Local Authorities in the repair and development of piers, harbours and slipways under their ownership.

The Minister concluded by saying “This €35.7 investment will build on the €96m invested in the Fishery Harbour Centres since 2010 and the €27m invested in the Local Authority infrastructure over the same period. Improving the standards of facilities at our Fishery Harbour Centres and other public harbours around our coast attract increasing and additional economic activities, benefitting a broad cohort of current and future harbour users including the fishing industry, seafood processing sector, other ancillary marine industries, and the wider rural coastal communities”.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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Harbours

4th April 2018

€225,000 for County Galway Harbour Projects

Some harbours in Co. Galway are to receive funding for projects.

#IrishHarbours - According to Galway Bay fm, €225,000 has been ringfenced for harbour projects in the county.

€112,000 will be spent on slipway and pier infrastructure at Crumpan Pier, Carna.

A further €112,000 will go towards slipway and pier extension works at Droim, Lettermore.

The money has been announced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as part of a €2.2 million national fund.

Published in Irish Harbours

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5th February 2017

Ireland’s Six Fishery Harbour Centres & Small Harbours Get €28m In Funding For Capital Projects

Howth’s new small fishing craft pontoon in County Dublin

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, today announced details of a €28m Capital Investment Package for the ongoing development of Ireland’s Local Authority owned small harbour network. (see Table 1 below for details)
In announcing the initiative the Minister said “The €28m I am allocating for the 2017 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme represents a significantly increased capital investment in the six Fishery Harbour Centres and other fisheries related marine infrastructure. It is testament not only to this Governments ongoing commitment to the Seafood sector, but also to the success of the sector in terms of increased activity levels.”

The Annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme provides funding for development works, safety and maintenance at the six Fishery Harbour Centres at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Ros an Mhil and Killybegs. The primary function of the Fishery Harbour Centres is to underpin the ongoing development of the fisheries and seafood processing sectors, while also facilitating other diverse marine related activities. The annual value of all fish landings into the six Fishery Harbour Centres increased from €136.8m to €262.3m over the period from 2010 to 2015.
The Minister said “I have set aside almost €25.5m towards development works, safety and maintenance at the six Fishery Harbour Centres which account for around 85% of all fish landed into Ireland. I have also proved €2.5m for a Local Authority Harbour Development and Marine Leisure programme to assist coastal Local Authorities in the repair and development of small scale piers, harbours and slipways under their ownership.”
Flagship projects in the 2017 Capital Programme include major quay extensions at Castletownbere, Killybegs, and Howth. Also of note is the dredging of the navigation channel in Dingle, the completion of the Small Craft Harbour in Ros an Mhíl and the West Wharf upgrade in Dunmore East.
The Minister concluded by saying “This €28m investment will build on the €64m invested in the Fishery Harbour Centres since 2010 and the €23m invested in the Local Authority infrastructure over the same period. It continues to improve the facilities at our Fishery Harbour Centres and other public harbours around our coast attracting increasing and additional economic activities, benefitting a broad cohort of current and future harbour users including the fishing industry, seafood processing sector, other ancillary marine industries, and the wider rural coastal communities”.

Table 1- Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2017

Table 1.
Location	Project Description		Cost €m
Howth:-	Construction of additional berthing face to middle pier and dredging along pier face. Gas Main Other Services (Sewers, ducting, watermains) Claremount Storage Units East Pier Repairs Syncrolift – Timber Deck Footpath Upgrade		1.50 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.17 0.05 0.15
	Total		2.32
Dunmore East:-	West wharf upgrade required due to steel corrosion and spalling of concrete. Shanoon Car Park		0.4 0.2
	Total		0.6
Castletownbere:-	Dinish island pier extension New Harbour Administration Building (shared facility) on mainland Quay. Harbour Slipway		5.0 1.2 0.3
	Total		6.5
Dingle:-	Dredging North Channel to widen the navigation channel to the port and provide better access. Upgrade of Harbour Marine Facilities Building		4.0 0.2
	Total		4.2
Ros an Mhíl:-		Small Craft Harbour final Phase (furniture fit out and services).		0.8
		Total		0.8
Killybegs:-		Smooth point pier extension and permitting. Harbour Electrics Upgrade Small Craft Harbour final completion.		5.0 0.5 0.7
		Total		6.2
Total Fishery Harbour Centres( new developments)				20.62
Cape Clear		Complete development works incl painting stoplogs, install pontoons, finish road works.		0.1
Safety and Maintenance and Non-Discretionary and Contractual Capital Commitments (incl Disability Access)				4.69
Total Local Authority Harbour Development and Marine Leisure Programme				2.50
Total 2017 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme				27.91

Published in Coastal Notes

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23rd November 2016

Piling & Pontoon Installation Works At Howth Trawler Dock

#MarineNotice - Marine Notice No 46 of 2016 advises that piling works were set to commence at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre, weather permitting, on or around this past Monday 21 November.

The works involve the installation of 3 No. circular steel piles and the subsequent installation of a floating pontoon at the trawler dock (Western Basin) at latitude 53°23'32” N and longitude 6°4’6” W.

The works are being advanced by a marine contractor working from a jack-up barge 18m x 18m in size, using heavy civil engineering plant and machinery, work vessels and platforms. Divers will be employed onsite to install anodes to the piles.

For safety reasons, mariners are requested to proceed slowly and with caution in the trawler dock and to give the works a wide berth. Wave wash from vessels should be avoided.

These works are expected to be ongoing until the end of December 2016, weather permitting.

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3rd August 2016

Westport Harbour Pontoon & Slipway Plans Open For Inspection

Croagh Patrick as seen from Westport Harbour

#Westport - Submissions are now open on plans for a new pontoon and slipway for Westport Harbour, as the Mayo News reports.

Intended as an interim measure for the Co Mayo coastal town as more ambitious proposals for a marina development remain on hold over costing issues, the 37m slipway and 42m pontoon could be ready two years from now if greenlit through the planning process.

The infrastructure would also prove useful for the proposed new coastguard station in the harbour, plans for which were lodged earlier in the year.

Plans are now open for the public to view at the West Mayo Municipal District offices till Tuesday 13 September, with the consultation closing on Friday 30 September.

The Mayo News has more on the story HERE.

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8th April 2015

West Cork To Benefit From Fishery Harbour & Coastal Capital Programme Says TD

#WestCork - A West Cork TD has welcomed the recent announcement of the near €18 million Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the package announced last month by Marine Minister Simon Coveney is primarily aimed at safety, maintenance and development works at Ireland's six Fishery Harbour Centres.

Funded alongside electrical upgrading and more at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre (€890,000) will be storm damage repairs works and improvements infrastructure at Cape Clear's North Harbour at a cost of nearly €2 million.

The funding allocation for these West Cork harbour sites was welcomed by local Fine Gael deputy Noel Harrington, who told the West Cork Times that the works at Cape Clear "will enhance the safety for those living on the island and the thousands who visit there each year."

Moreover, the Castletownbere works are "welcome and necessary in the busy port," he said, adding that he was confident further funding via Cork County Council would see greater investment in the West Cork coastal region.

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20th March 2014

€23m Package for the Repair of Storm Damaged Public Piers, Harbours & Slipways (Funding List Here)

#piers – The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, today announced details of a €23m package for the repair of public owned piers, harbours and slipways damaged during the winter storms and for investment in the ongoing development of Ireland's public harbour network.In announcing this initiative, the Minister said "We are all too well aware of the damage wreaked on our harbour network during the winter storms.

I am delighted to announce as part of an extended capital programme for 2014, this significant funding for the immediate repair of piers and harbours across the country".

€8.5m for 115 storm damaged piers and harbours to assist 11 Local Authorities and the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine to repair this storm damaged infrastructure. (see tables 1&2 below for details)

Funding of €7m for 111 projects to repair Local Authority owned storm damaged harbours, piers and slipways and €1.5m for remediation work at four Department owned, non-Fishery Harbour Centres including €1.3m for North Harbour Cape Clear.

"In addition, a further €14.63m of funding is being provided for harbour development in 2014 and this represents a significant increase on the level of funding provided in 2013. This is an indication of the Government's commitment to developing our fishery harbours for the benefit of our fishing industry, seafood processing sector, other ancillary marine industries, tenants and the wider community. It is part of an ongoing and long term strategy to develop and improve the facilities at our Fishery Harbour Centres and other public harbours around our coast." (see table 3 below for details).

€11.63m of this is allocated towards safety, maintenance and new development works at six Fishery Harbour Centres at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Ros a Mhíl and Killybegs, in addition to infrastructural improvement works at "bull nose" pier, North Harbour, Cape Clear. This works also includes €4m for dredging works at Dunmore East.

€3m is being allocated for Local Authority Harbour Development and Marine Leisure programmes. The Department is contacting the relevant Local Authorities in relation to applications under this element of the Programme.

Flagship projects in the 2014 Capital Programme include the works at "bull nose" pier Cape Clear, major dredging works at Dunmore East, electrical upgrading in Howth, slipway works at Ros a Mhíl, Castletownbere and Dingle, and a small craft harbour in Killybegs.

The Minister commented that "the projects consisting of €23m in total capital expenditure will repair the storm damage to our vitally important fisheries piers and harbours network and will develop our harbours for the benefit of our seafood industry and the coastal communities dependent on this infrastructure. This package will help to ensure that this important infrastructure is fit for purpose in the modern era and will bring significant added value to local communities and much welcome jobs and economic activity".

Table 1 Departmental owned Non-Fishery Harbour Centres approved for funding under the Storm Damage Programme.

Location	Structure Type	DAFM Approved Funding
Cape Clear, Co.Cork.	North Harbour	€1,300,000
Dooagh, Co Mayo	Pier (PLB)	€115,000
Westcove, Co. Kerry	Navigation Beacon (PLB)	€60,000
Gun Rock, Co. Galway	Beacon (PLB)	€40,000
TOTAL		€1,515,000

Table 2 Local Authority Projects approved for funding under the Storm Damage Programme

Location		DAFM Approved 2014 90% funding
*Cork County Council*
	Pallas Sea Wall, Ardgroom	€36,000
	Glandore Pier	€180,000
	Courtmacsherry Harbour	€9,000
	Letter Pier, Kilcrohane	€27,000
	Dursey Island Pier	€9,450
	Travarra Pier	€13,500
	Cleanderry Slip, Ardgroom	€22,500
	Gorteen Pier	€9,000
	Deelish Pier, Skibbereen	€27,000
	McDonald's Quay Youghal	€72,000
	Baltimore Pier	€36,000
	Barleycove Beach	€45,000
Total Cork Co. Co.		€486,450
*Waterford County Council*
	Tramore Seawall	€135,000
	Boatstrand Pier	€315,000
	Dunmore East Stormwall	€18,000
Total Waterford Co. Co.		€468,000
*Wexford County Council*
	Courtown Harbour 1	€477,000
	Cahore Harbour	€49,500
	Wexford Harbour	€9,000
	Kilmore Quay, Harbour 2	€180,000
	Courtown Harbour 2	€630,000
	Fethard Harbour	€9,000
	Slade Harbour	€54,000
	St Helens Harbour	€45,900
	Ballyhack Harbour	€45,000
	Carne Harbour	€13,500
Total Wexford Co. Co.		€1,512,900
*Mayo County Council*
	Roonagh Pier	€18,000
	Porturlin Harbour	€135,000
	Purtoon, Inishturk Pier	€27,000
	Kilcummin Harbour	€63,000
	Killala Harbour	€63,000
	Inishbiggle Pontoon	€27,000
	Clare Island Pier & Slipway	€76,500
	Islandmore Pontoon	€18,000
	Mulranny Pier	€67,500
	Old Head Pier	€12,600
	Blackshod Pier	€72,000
	Carramore Pier	€47,700
	Killerduff Harbour	€135,000
	Rathlacken Harbour	€135,000
	Saleen Harbour	€90,000
	Lecanvey Pier	€10,800
	Bunlough Slipway	€9,000
	Faulmore Slipway	€45,000
	Belderrigh Pier, Ballycastle	€90,000
	Inishkea Island Pier	€45,000
	Frenchport Pier, Belmullet	€18,000
	Westport Quay	€27,000
Total Mayo Co. Co.		€1,232,100
*Sligo County Council*
	Mullaghmore Harbour	€89,100
	Enniscrone Pier	€61,200
Total Sligo Co. Co.		€150,300
*Galway County Council*
	Cé na Trá Ban, Lettermore	€198,000
	Cé an Mace, Carna	€90,000
	Cé Cora Point, Inis Meáin	€135,000
	Cé Sruthan Pier, An Cheathru Rua	€216,000
	Cé Inis Oírr Slipway, Inis Oírr	€108,000
	Cé Annaghvaan, Lettermore	€180,000
	Seán Céibh Spideál	€135,000
	Cé Spideál Nua	€90,000
	Cé Inis Oírr Slipway, Inis Oírr	€90,000
	Cé Dolan	€108,000
	Cé Pointe, An Ceathru Rua	€180,000
	Cé Sruthan Bui, Rosmuc	€135,000
	Cé Caladh Thaidh	€108,000
	Cé Finnis, Finnis Island	€135,000
	Cé Rossadilisk	€108,000
Total Galway Co. Co.		€2,016,000

*Kerry County Council*
	Local Aids to Navigation	€19,350
	Kilmakilogue Pier	€18,675
	Tahilla Pier	€5,850
	Blackwater Pier	€675
	Cuan Pier	€2,700
	Coonanna Pier	€1,125
	Cooscrome Pier	€7,650
	Fenit Pier	€7,740
	Knightstown Pier	€6,750
	Dromatoor Pier	€7,650
	Bunnavalla Pier	€4,500
	Dunquin Pier	€27,000
	Brandon Pier	€4,500
Total Kerry Co. Co.		€114,165
*Wicklow County Council*
	Arklow Harbour South Pier	€5,400
Total Wicklow Co. Co.		€5,400
*Donegal County Council*
	Mountcharles Pier	€36,000
	Magherarorty Harbour	€45,000
	Buncrana Harbour	€45,000
	Arranmore, Rannagh Pier Slip	€27,000
	Bundoran Pier	€7,200
	Malinmore Pier	€6,750
	Doonalt Pier (near Glencolmcille)	€6,750
	Bruckless Pier	€16,200
	Port Inver	€18,000
	Cladnageeragh Pier (near Kilcar)	€22,500
	Portsalon Pier	€22,500
	Bunaniver Pier	€31,500
	Wyon Point & Rinnalea Navigation Lights	€9,000
	Nancy's Rock Navigation Perch	€31,500
	Cassan Sound Pier	€9,000
	Malinbeg, Ballyederlan, Gortalia, Tawney (Piers & Slipways)	€18,000
	Donegal Town Pier	€3,600
	Bunagee Pier	€135,000
	Ballysaggart Pier	€13,500
	Owey Island Pier	€27,000
	Rathmullan Pier	€27,000
	Leabgarrow Harbour, Arranmore	€45,000
	Ballyshannon Harbour	€45,000
	Curransport Slipway	€9,000
	Arranmore,Stackamore, Slipway	€6,750
	Cruit Island Slipway	€6,750
	Inis Caoraigh Slipway	€18,000
	Killybegs Harbour, Shore Road	€63,000
Total Donegal Co. Co.		€751,500
*Clare County Council*
	Liscannor Pier	€130,950
	Ballyvaughan Pier	€65,700
	Seafield Pier	€18,000
	Kilbaha Pier	€18,000
Total Clare Co. Co.		€232,650
*Louth County Council*
	Carlingford Harbour	€4,500
Total Louth Co. Co.		€4,500

GRAND TOTAL		€6,973,965

Table 3 2014 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme

Location	Project	DAFM Approved Funding
Cape Clear, Co. Cork.	Bull Nose Development	€3,000,000
	Safety & Maintenance Works	€50,000
	Disability Access Works	€10,000
	Piers, Lights & Beacons	€27,000
All Fishery Harbour Centres	Safety & Maintenance	€1,260,000
All Fishery Harbour Centres	Disability Access	€100,000
Howth FHC	Design & Planning for Pontoons between Middle and West Pier	€100,000
	Syncrolift Platform Painting & Repairs	€80,000
	Upgrading of Navigational Lights & Markers	€20,000
	Upgrading Electrical System	€500,000
	East Pier Repairs	€150,000
Castletownbere FHC	Power points & Electrical Upgrade Mainland Quay	€200,000
	Mainland Quay Perimeter Fencing/Wall	€200,000
	Harbour Slipway	€300,000
	Welfare facilities for harbour users (Dinish)	€100,000
	Syncrolift drainage – Design & Planning	€150,000
An Daingean FHC	CCTV Upgrade	€40,000
	Main Pier sheet pile condition survey	€40,000
	Boatyard Slipway Removal	€200,000
Ros a Mhíl FHC	Design & Planning for Phase 2 Small Craft Harbour	€31,000
Ros a Mhíl FHC	Commencement of New Slipway	€133,000
Dunmore East FHC	Construction of Harbour Building Extension	€220,000
Dunmore East FHC	Dredging Works	€4,000,000
Killybegs FHC	Safety Mooring (Department Craft)	€20,000
	Landing Pier Fendering	€30,000
	Floating work platform	€9,000
	Synchrolift Carriage	€10,000
	Repairs to Blackrock Pier	€150,000
	Small Craft Harbour – Phase 1	€500,000
Local Authority Development	Local Authority Programme (excluding storm damage projects)	€3,000,000
Local Authority Development	Local Authority Programme (excluding storm damage projects)
Marine Leisure & Marine Tourism	Local Authorities
TOTAL		€14,630,000