Make harbour site a national park

I AM delighted Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Micheál Martin has described the redevelopment of the Irish Ispat site on Haulbowline as a ‘unique opportunity’.

However, I am dismayed that, in his opinion, this opportunity includes a hotel, apartments and office space.

Cork harbour is a fantastic resource for all people in the region. However, it is under-utilised for leisure pursuits and is also a place with a history that should be preserved. The remaining areas within the harbour that are in State ownership — Haulbowline, Spike Island and the two forts at the harbour mouth — should be declared a national park.

Haulbowline should be designated a centre of excellence for water sports, with Olympic-standard training facilities. Spike Island, which has a diverse history going back 14 centuries, should be preserved and opened to the public.

The forts complement Spike Island. Together with a maritime museum, they would make Cork a destination of choice for anyone with even a passing interest in military history.

The development of Cork harbour requires vision. The whole Cork region needs another tourist attraction — Cork harbour could be it.

Hendrick Verwey

Old Church

Cobh

Co Cork