Fahey: Department officials tried ‘to cover their butts’

THE former Marine Minister Frank Fahey yesterday launched a blistering attack on Department of Communication and Marine officials for their handling of four controversial marina projects.

The four projects, allocated e6 million in the Budget 2000, were the flagship projects ahead of an ambitious plan to establish a “necklace” of yachting marinas around the coast.

But the schemes have been dogged by controversy or delay since then. One in particular has drawn fierce criticism: a marine training centre in Kenmare got the go-ahead for grant-aid as part of the deal the previous Government had with independent TD Jackie Healy.