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#ISLAND NEWS - The Irish Times reports that pontoons are to be installed at Portmagee in Co Kerry to provide easier access to ferry services for Skellig Michael.
Some 10,000 people visit the Unesco world heritage site every year. But a safety audit last year was critical of facilities at Portmagee, finding there was a risk of slipping on concrete steps leading to the boats.
Minister for Transpirt Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar has allocated €200,000 to fund the new pontoons for tourist ferries to the island, which will be located in closer proximity to the fishing village.
The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.
#ISLAND NEWS - The Irish Times reports that pontoons are to be installed at Portmagee in Co Kerry to provide easier access to ferry services for Skellig Michael.

Some 10,000 people visit the Unesco world heritage site every year. But a safety audit last year was critical of facilities at Portmagee, finding there was a risk of slipping on concrete steps leading to the boats.

Minister for Transpirt Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar has earmarked €200,000 to fund the new pontoons for tourist ferries to the island, which will be located in closer proximity to the fishing village.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.
Published in Island News
#ISLAND NEWS - Cork County Council has set up a working group to examine the future of the Dursey Island Cable Car.
The group, established with the objective of securing the future sustainable operation of Ireland's only cable car – and the only sea-going cable car in Europe - had its first meeting on Friday 4 November.
The cable car between Dursey Island and Ballaghboy on the mainland is the main method of access to the island. It operates year round, weather permitting.
Featured in the working group are residents of the island and the local farming community, Comhar na nOileán, the Islands Division of the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Fáilte Ireland, the Bere Island Projects group, West Cork Development Partnership and other island representation.
Cork County Council recently commissioned an expert engineering report on the Dursey Island Cable Car, which the group is now working from.
Take a trip on the Dursey Island Cable Car courtesy of YouTube:

#ISLAND NEWS - Cork County Council has set up a working group to examine the future of the Dursey Island Cable Car.

The group, established with the objective of securing the future sustainable operation of Ireland's only cable car – and the only sea-going cable car in Europe - had its first meeting on Friday 4 November.

The cable car between Dursey Island and Ballaghboy on the mainland is the main method of access to the island. It operates year round, weather permitting.

Featured in the working group are residents of the island and the local farming community, Comhar na nOileán, the Islands Division of the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Fáilte Ireland, the Bere Island Projects group, West Cork Development Partnership and other island representation.

Cork County Council recently commissioned an expert engineering report on the Dursey Island Cable Car, which the group is now working from.

Take a trip on the Dursey Island Cable Car courtesy of YouTube:

Published in Island News
Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year Brendan Harvey was on hand to launch Lough Rynn's new Wheelyboat last weekend, the Leitrim Observer reports.
The boat is specially designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities in the area, giving them greater access to Leitrim's lakes and inland waterways for fishing or pleasure trips.
Built in England by registered charity the Wheelyboat Trust, the project was initiatied the Leitrim Association of People with Disabilities (LAPWD), with help from the Rinn-Shannon Agling Club.
The boat, named Ernest's Pride, is so called in tribute to Ernest Catherines, a "driving force" behind the scheme who passed away last month.

Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year Brendan Harvey was on hand to launch Lough Rynn's new Wheelyboat last weekend, the Leitrim Observer reports.

The boat is specially designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities in the area, giving them greater access to Leitrim's lakes and inland waterways for fishing or pleasure trips.

Built in England by registered charity the Wheelyboat Trust, the project was initiatied the Leitrim Association of People with Disabilities (LAPWD), with help from the Rinn-Shannon Agling Club.

The boat, named Ernest's Pride, is so called in tribute to Ernest Catherines, a "driving force" behind the scheme who passed away last month.

Published in Inland Waterways

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