Cobh gets tourism boost with new 74-berth marina

A Cork harbour town has received a major tourism boost with the announcement that it is to get a 74-berth marina.

The move is the brainchild of Cove Sailing Club, which intends to build the marina in two phases at Whitepoint, Cobh.

Confirmation of the plan was announced by the club’s Commodore, Adrian Tyler, after his members unanimously passed a motion to go ahead with the project.

Rear Commodore Derry Allister said that the works will begin shortly and that the first phase of the project, which will feature 30 berths, will be completed early next year.

South and East Cork Area Development has provided funding of €125,000 and Cork County Council has given a grant of €200,000 towards the project.

Club members will sponsor the remaining €300,000 needed to complete it.

Brian Curtis, president of Cobh & Harbour Chamber of Commerce, said the marina was a welcome boost to tourism in Cobh and came shortly after Cobh retained its silver medal position in the Tidy Towns competition.

“It ends a great week for Cobh and gives all the community a boost for next year’s tourist season.

Mr Curtis said the marina will allow more tourists to visit the harbour town.

He praised their four newly elected county councillors for working together with County Hall officials and with the marina committee.

The marina group also acknowledged the assistance of Louis Duffy of Cork County Council in their quest for financial backing.

The chairman of the Cobh/Glanmire Municipal Authority, Sinead Sheppard, said she was thrilled with the news.

“Sailing is one of the biggest leisure activities in the world,” said Ms Sheppard. “Yacht owners love to visit Cork harbour and Cobh, but up to now they have had nowhere in this town to tie up the craft. This will bring even more tourists to our town.”