Port lodges objection to new harbour

THE Port of Waterford has lodged a detailed objection with Waterford County Council to the long-awaited new harbour at Dunmore East, Co Waterford.

The application was made to the local authority in mid-August on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources. The Port’s objection came just before the September 20 deadline.

The application before the council proposes a new harbour basin to the seaward side of the existing harbour at Dunmore East which would include a berthing quay.

It also includes plans for a leisure marina berthing facilities in the existing harbour basin.

While in principle the Port of Waterford welcomed the proposal to develop new harbour facilities at Dunmore East to cater for the fishing fleet and to boost its visitor appeal, the company feels the developers have not detailed the precise purpose of the development and all its future uses.

Locals in Dunmore East have described the objection as “dog in the manger stuff” and have urged the local authority to view the objection for what it is.

The port feels that this omission leaves open the prospect of incompatible commercial activity which could be to the detriment of Dunmore East and the wider region.

Such inappropriate activity, the port company feels, could include the handling at Dunmore East of bulk goods and general cargoes such as scrap metal, animal feed, grain, fertiliser, livestock, timber, steel, coal and other materials.

According to a port spokesperson: “Failure to restrict this type of commercial activity could not only seriously undermine the integrity of the proposed development at Dunmore East, but also contradict previously stated Government priorities for the future development of the State’s existing commercial ports including the Port of Waterford. It could also cause substantial damage to the tourist economy in Dunmore East and seriously undermine the amenity and environmental qualities of the fishing harbour and village.”

Dunmore East Ocean Hotel proprietor, Brendan Gallagher, said the only commercial element in the application is for fishing and tourism - the two main things which drive Dunmore East.

“We pushed very hard to ensure the plans for the marina were fair and good. The development is badly needed and everyone is behind it. This objection is simply dog in the manger stuff,” he said.