American yachtsman makes waves over marine regulations

AFTER 40 days at sea a lone American yachtsman was told he couldn’t berth in a West Cork harbour because Department of Marine regulations forbid it.

The junior minister at the Department said in the Dáil he was unaware of any restrictions, but his Department’s website clearly indicates the harbour isn’t suitable for pleasure craft.

At a meeting of Cork County Council yesterday, the Government was accused of trying to scupper marine tourism in the West Cork region and the local authority is to write to the junior minister demanding immediate clarification.