#corkharbour – Recognising the need for adequate and safe launching facilities in the upper river area for agencies responding to emergencies and river searches, a jointly funded project by Port of Cork and Cork City Council ensuring Cork Boat Club's eastern slipway is operational and fit for purpose, has been completed. As a result of this project and to ensure continual sharing of the facilities, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Cork Boat Club, Port of Cork, Cork City Fire Brigade and Cork City Civil Defence was signed today.

Cork Boat Club has for many years allowed the Emergency Services access to its grounds and slipway. Sharing of access to the sole operational slip at times however, caused congestion between Cork Boat Club's day-to-day launch, recovery operations and the needs of the local Emergency Service. Cork Boat Club agreed to provide 24/7 access to the Emergency Services and Port of Cork, and any other agencies under their control, when responding to an emergency situation or conducting training, while Port of Cork and Cork City Council agreed to jointly fund the repair of Cork Boat Club's second slipway to ease launching congestion at peak times.

According to the Port of Cork Harbour Master, Captain Paul O'Regan, this MOU is a positive step for all parties involved.

He said: "We were very pleased to be a part of the project, which demonstrates the close working relationship between the City Council and the Port Company. The MOU agreed between the parties will provide a valuable resource for all involved. Cork Boat Club already facilitates boat storage for Blackrock Coastal Rowing Club and this agreement is a further example of their community focus"

Captain O 'Regan continued: "This arrangement will operate on a goodwill basis for the benefit of the community at large and will greatly assist the emergency services, which are very often faced with challenging search and recovery tasks."

Cork Boat Club Chairman John McCarthy added: "This arrangement is in line with our deeply held community based ethos and is a win-win for all parties. Cork Boat Club has had tremendous success both on and off the water in recent years, and this is another significant step in the right direction."

On behalf of Cork City Fire Brigade, the MOU was welcomed by Chief Fire Officer, Mr John Ryan.

All parties in this Memorandum of Understanding will meet formally on an annual basis to review its operation and to ensure that any associated issues are managed.

Cork Boat Club in Blackrock Village was established in 1899 and has 200 members. In 2013 it had the distinction of having fourteen of its rowers selected to represent Ireland at International level, the highest level of international representation of any club in the country.