Plans for Bantry harbour project to be finalised
The multi-million euro plan, to be funded through a private/public partnership, will see the inner harbour dredged to make way for a permanent mooring.
“Bantry needs to grow and develop but this growth must be for the benefit of the people who live here and the businesses that thrive in the town,” said Gearóid O’Leary, the chairman of Bantry Business Association.
The Bantry inner harbour masterplan is scheduled to be completed within the next four years, with a planning decision expected within the next few weeks.
“With planning approved we can then move on to the next phase, which will be removing material from the inner harbour. This material will be used to make the bricks for the sea breaks,” Mr O’Leary said.
The development will also see the construction of new sea breaks and shoreline walls, as well as a centre for both retail, residential, and leisure facilities over looking the new marina area.
“The new marina will also see a multi-story car park with 650 spaces as well as a plaza and restaurants. This will provide visitors with a focal point for their stay in Bantry, as well as encouraging new businesses within the town,” said Mr O’Leary.
Another project on the horizon is a music academy.
“The establishment of the Bantry Music Academy has long been considered but now with the availability of a number of ready made and ideal locations to house the academy, there has never been a better time to take the next step,” he said.
With Tesco planning to develop a €10m store in Newtown, plans for another retail unit in the centre of the town are also underway.
“A well-known low cost supermarket chain will soon be constructing a store adjacent to the town library in the heart of Bantry town,” Mr O’Leary said.
