Fota marina gets thumbs down

BORD Pleanála has turned down plans for a 60-berth marina at Fota Island because of safety issues and the disruption which could be caused to wildlife.

Cityking International, a Fleming Company, appealed to the planning board after the development was turned down by Cork County Council last August.

The board pointed out that while there is a railway crossing in the area it serves just one dwelling and wouldn’t be adequate for the amount of cars the project would generate.

In its report it stated: “The proposed development would result in a significant increase in the use of the accommodation crossing, including use by vehicles towing trailers, which, without satisfactory improvements to the crossing would endanger public safety.”

Bord Pleanála inspector Laurie Mulrine said the proposed marina would detract from the historic setting of Fota Castle, a protected structure. He also said the area was within a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a proposed Natural Heritage Area.

Allowing the project to proceed could disturb the local wildlife, including the little egret, owls, kestrels, badgers and bats.