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Displaying items by tag: Pam Kearney

#DunLaoghaire - Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company director Pam Kearney has resigned over a boardroom dispute over the company's 'master plan', according to yesterday's Sunday Business Post.

The article by Jack Horgan-Jones reports that Kearney tendered her resignation letter last week, citing concerns over "three of the four cornerstone projects" of the plan.

These were named as the diaspora centre (which was scrapped by the Government earlier this year), the cruise liner berth and the 'urban beach' planned for the East Pier.

Kearney's departure comes just weeks after Justin McKenna, Commodore of the Royal St George, also stepped down as a director over his own concerns with the cruise terminal plans.

But harbour company chief executive Gerry Dunne has denied any split in the boardroom, saying it "remains fully behind the implementation of the 2011 master plan".

The Sunday Business Post article also referenced an unpublished engineer's report commissioned by the harbour company that highlighted issues that could cost millions in repairs to the harbour's three main piers.

About Electric outboard engines

The direct-drive component in electric outboard engines means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power.

Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run.

As a result, electric boat engines are becoming more popular on Irish waters as the world transitions from fossil fuels to green energy.

To date, popular electric engine sizes have been trolling engines typically used by fishermen on lakes.

These marine engines are available in models that can be used in fresh water and sea water, for your boat or kayak.

Electric motors are Ideal for fishermen because they are quiet and create little in the way of disturbance 

Popular electric trolling models range from 30lb thrust to 55lb thrust in a range of shaft lengths.

But use is becoming broader now in 2021 and electric outboard engines are being used on small runabouts and RIBS where electric outboard engine sizes are getting bigger.

Outboard electric engines are economical and environmentally friendly. Battery technology is also improving at a rapid rate meaning they are becoming smaller and lighter and run for longer.

Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail are also options meaning the electric outboard now has a home on the stern on small yachts and dayboats too.

As far back as 2014, Torqeedo owner Jack O'Keefe from Cork Harbour told Afloat readers of his sailing adventures in a Drascombe Coaster dinghy and how after swapping from a petrol version the rewards from his new electric outboard engine are less noise, no smells, more stowage, better sailing performance and a motor that can be started by a small child. But it's still not silent, there's a whine he says here 

Popular brands in Ireland are Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Pulsar and Minn Kota but there are more arriving all the time as the technology advances