Bantry needs a marina without delay

Following my holiday break in Bantry over the weekend for the visit of our superb President Michael D Higgins for the launch of the Atlantic challenge, I wish to say the following.

Bantry is the key destination in the generation of tourist and historical interests. It is a halfway house for seafaring vessels such as yachts and power boats which manoeuvre the south west coast in search of suitable ports or stopovers.

The development of a marina in Bantry is a necessity that would fulfil its potential as a navigational stopover.

I remember being told that the marina was a dream some 40 years ago, but now it is at planning stage and will see the development as a primary function to Bantry and surrounding areas.

This new stopover would generate both sea and road traffic for additional income in Bantry and surrounding areas.

I congratulate the organisers of the Atlantic Challenge and hopefully such an event will spearhead the announcement by the Ministers of Marine, Tourism, Arts and Culture to finance the project.

We cannot sit back — things must be created by forums and meetings with professionals and the public.

Donal Collins

Clogheen

Cork