Planning permission refused for Baltimore breakwater

By Sean O’Riordan

There has been an angry reaction to Bord Pleanála’s decision to refuse planning permission for a major breakwater barrier to protect a harbour in West Cork.

The planning appeals board has refused permission to Cork County Council to build the breakwater at Baltimore even though it acknowledged the local authority wanted to build it to improve safety for vessel users.

On numerous occasions, vessels operating out of Baltimore have had to take shelter at Old Court, Union Hall, and Castletownbere, because Baltimore is too exposed to the elements.

A number of years ago, the former harbour commissioners drew up plans for the defensive structure. The project was taken on by the county council when it took over the running of a number of smaller harbours in Cork.

An Bord Pleanála accepted the principle of a need for the breakwater, but refused planning as its construction would result in the permanent loss of 1.57 hectares of marine and bay habitat in what is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

In its decision, it quoted the conservation objectives set down by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

An Bord Pleanála said it could not be satisfied, given the submissions made by the Department of Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, that the proposed development would not result in the direct loss of this habitat and would, therefore, adversely affect the integrity of the site.

Vincent O’Driscoll, who has run ferries between Baltimore and Sherkin Island for nearly 40 years, described the decision as “an absolute disgrace”.

He said the lack of shelter meant he and other vessel owners had to take shelter elsewhere for up to 60 nights a year, mainly during the winter.

I have to go seven miles upriver and this has caused disruption to my service,” said Mr O’Driscoll. “The fishing vessels have to move to Castletownbere or Union Hall.

Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Carroll, who was a member of the former Baltimore Harbour Board, said he was extremely disappointed with the decision.

“The main reason is the loss of habitat,” he said. “But if this situation was replicated along the west coast of France or Spain you wouldn’t have any harbour development.

“The creation of the breakwater is vital for sheltering craft. This is a health and safety issue primarily.”

He added that, apart from the obvious health and safety issue, the lack of a breakwater would not encourage maritime tourism visits to the harbour village and the area around it.

“Yachting tourism is a big money-spinner and the Baltimore economy and that of the surrounding villages and towns could really benefit from it,” said Mr Carroll. “But you won’t get these people coming here if there isn’t a breakwater to protect their vessels.”