Anger as pontoon funding vanishes

An east Cork harbour town’s hopes of acquiring a floating pontoon to boost tourism stand high and dry amid allegations of post-election ‘treachery’.

East Cork Municipal District councillors were fuming when it emerged a claimed assurance of funding from Marine Minister Simon Coveney and east Cork Fine Gael TD David Stanton was no longer forthcoming.

The 25mx5m pontoon, costing an estimated €170,000, had been planned as a summer fixture at Nealon’s Quay, close to Youghal’s town centre. Six permanent visitor moorings, estimated at €35,000, were to accompany the installation.