#DalkeyIslandFerry – The Dalkey Island passenger ferry boat service from Coliemore Harbour, Co. Dublin, was finally launched into service and coincidentally on the opening of the 5th Dalkey Book Festival last Thursday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

There had been no ferry service for the last three years which had been a concern of the local community who have campaigned for its restoration since the issue of 'health and safety' was raised by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on the state of Coliemore Harbour and also those on the island.

Now that the commercial passenger-ferry boat which is licensed to take 5 persons, locals and visitors can look forward to taking the 4 minute hop across Dalkey Sound.

The service is operated by Ken Cunningham, whose family for many generations have been closely involved with the harbour and also of the local East coast skiff rowing club.

During last weekend the scene at Coliemore Harbour was under a 'blocking' high weather system with blue seas and equally skies. Tourists lined the plaza overlooking the harbour and also admiring the view was a festival guest, author Salman Rushdie, of Satanic Verses fame who was there for an interview and photocall.

Against this scenic publicity backdrop the seascape also provided the setting for a local artist's group and where a former wife of Rushdie, Padma Lakshmi took a keen interest with the painting students.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, a new slipway and quayside structure was completed on Dalkey Island and was officially launched earlier this month by An Cathaoirleach, of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

The opening of the upgraded island harbour facility costing €350,000 was a turning point of the PART 8 Programme in addition to works amounting to €63,500 also carried out at Coliemore Harbour, where issues concerning boating access and safety were also met. Though there were some delays to these works before the ferry eventually could start and that of a permit issued from DLRCC.

A campaign led by the Coliemore Harbour Action Committee pressed local councillors and that of DLRCC to reinstate that the 'traditional' ferry boat would remain running from the harbour as fears had been expressed of an alternative replacement service from Dun Loaghaire Harbour.

The Dalkey Island slipway upgrade incorporates a widened channel and dredging creating easier and safer access for berthing and a navigation marker post is sited at the end of the slipway.

To accommodate the tidal range, at the approach of the new structure is the 'stepped'-slipway section which runs into an upper quayside featuring a ladder and life-ring pole.

From here new steps lead to the existing footpath to the Martello Tower, the main man-made feature on the island which is designated a public park.

The island on the doorstep to Dublin and its tourism potential and the role of public engagement forms one of the main topics of the Dalkey Islands Conservation Plan: 2014-2024 which was launched by DLRCC earlier this month.

The other principle topics of the plan to recognise and manage island issues are: history & archaeology, natural heritage, geological heritage, archaeological and built heritage.

#LOBSTERS & JAZZ – The first International Dalkey Lobster Fest (24-26 August) starts tomorrow in the scenic coastal heritage town in south Dublin, and in which runs over the weekend, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The festival is a fusion of local seafood and of the best global jazz musicians and with lots of events for families and all to enjoy.

Over the course of the three-days, there will be a wide ranging event programme, among some of the activities are cookery demos in The Tramyard, a Dalkey Master Chef Final and free historical guided walks tours from Dalkey Castle.

All day on the Saturday and Sunday, there will be the BIM Lobster Educational Stand at The Writers Corner, off Castle Street, which is a very short stride from the DART station. In addition the RNLI will have a stand further up the main street at The Tramyard.

Plus there's plenty of live musical entertainment, with the main festival opening event of the Dicovery Gospel Choir held in Dalkey Church, tickets cost €10. Other live events are admission free unless specified.

Watch out for fresh lobster & crab dishes available in participating restaurents, bars and café's throughout the village during the festival. Also look out for some great kid's street entertainment events again at The Tramyard and also Writers Corner, named following the third Dalkey Book Festival, held earlier this summer.

For further details of the festival programme contact the ticket office open at The Tramyard Gift Shop (11am-4pm) Mobile: 086 447 6304 and by visiting: www.facebook.com/DalkeyLobsterFest