Plans for 100-berth marina are sunk

PLANS to construct a multi-million euro, 100-berth marina in Dungarvan Harbour appear to be dead in the water.

Two British companies, R and C Reclamation from Durham, and Hertfordshire-based HG Construction Ltd, lodged detailed submissions with the local town council to construct the marina. A submission was also received from an Irish concern but was rejected as “unfeasible”.

Initially, the reaction to the submissions by the two English companies was favourable. However, it has emerged both are seeking to encroach onto part of the Walton Causeway Park amenity, with, speculators believe, proposals to build apartments to fund the project.

Town councillors are vehemently opposed to any kind of development in the picturesque park.

“That would be too high a price to pay and the townspeople wouldn’t thank us for it,” said Fine Gael Cllr Damien Geoghegan.

Mr Geoghegan said Walton Park is a valued amenity, much utilised by the people of Dungarvan and Abbeyside. To allow apartments be built on it would be “unforgivable”, he said.

“The development of a marina is an out and out non-runner if it involves building on Walton Park,” he said. “That would be seriously detrimental in the long term and cannot be entertained.”

The town mayor, Cllr Michael O’Riordan, said Walton Park is “sacrosanct” as far as the council is concerned, and there could be no question now, or at any time in the future, of allowing any part of it to be taken over for developments such as an apartment block.

A spokesperson for the County Development Board, Brian White, said the development of a marina in Dungarvan remains a priority, but he agreed the proposals submitted by both English companies were “non-runners” as far as the town council is concerned.

Mr White, who is a former town clerk in Dungarvan, said they would be prepared to look at any alternative proposals for a marina.