Dunmore East harbour set for facelift

DETAILS of the multi-million euro development proposed for Dunmore East harbour will be unveiled to members of Waterford County Council today.

They will be revealed by officials from the Department of Marine and Natural Resources.

A start date has not been agreed, but the revamp includes developing a new harbour outside the original one. The old harbour will be reworked for smaller boats and pleasure craft.

There are also plans to dredge the sea bed, opening it up to larger boats, improve berthing facilities, and developing a new slipway.

The long-promised upgrade comes after consultation between local people, fishing organisations, and department officials.

Last night, department sources were remaining tight-lipped. “We can’t say much until we talk to the county council. There are plans to develop the harbour. We have been involved in a long consultative process and we can’t say much more until after our meeting,” a department spokesperson said.

Elaine Power spent the money she won on the RTÉ reality TV show, Cabin Fever, setting up pleasure tours out of Dunmore East. She has seen the plans and is very impressed with the proposed redevelopment.

“Dunmore is exceptionally busy at the moment. But this marina plan will make it even busier. It’s going to be great. It’s a project and a plan which has united everyone. The new facilities will be great - they are badly needed.

“The whole plan is also in keeping with the village. The fishermen will have a brand new harbour and facilities and those with pleasure craft will have a lovely new marina. It all augers very well for Dunmore and it has to be welcomed,” she added.

The Dunmore East Fishermen’s Co-op have welcomed the works. CEO Derek Booth commended the level of consultation.

“We are very much in favour of the proposed works. When the plans were being drawn up, they spoke to everyone,” he said.

He hopes the department will now provide finance for the works sooner rather than later.