Boatyard development delay

THE economic downturn is delaying plans for the redevelopment of the old boatyard site in Dingle.

Kerry County Council is working on proposals to compulsorily purchase (CPO) the site for which there are plans to provide a €13 million arts centre and theatre. The council has already demolished buildings on the site which was once an eyesore but it is hoped to develop it as an amenity for local people and visitors.

According to the council, significant progress has been made in the past year, but a number of claims to the site have to be dealt with before the CPO process can be completed.

Meanwhile, plans for the arts centre and other civic facilities have been put on hold, but the council is still interested in a project that would involve both public and private investment.

A council spokesman said, while the current economic situation was not very encouraging for such an investment, they were hopeful of being able to advance the project when economic conditions improved.

People in Dingle have been calling for the development of the site for many years and the council first indicated an interest in taking over the property, largely as a public amenity, four years ago.

As well as providing an arts centre, the local community has also proposed the building of a promenade and traditional seafront which would be a focal point in the tourism town.

Plans for a 300-seat theatre and an exhibition area have been in place for some time and are being promoted by a local group, Amharclann Chorcadhuibhne Teo (ACT).

Dingle boatyard was once an important employer in the town, with skilled craftsmen building vessels for the fishing industry which has since gone into decline.

The harbour area has seen some important developments in recent years, including the building of a 80-berth marina, an extension of the pier and construction of a new ice plant.

Meanwhile, fishermen in Brandon, also in the Dingle Peninsula, have welcomed the provision of a €22,000 hoist which will lift boxes of fish, fishing gear and other materials from boats berthing at the local pier.