THE outgoing government yesterday announced £3 million for the proposed Dun Laoghaire marina development. The outgoing Minister for the Marine, Mr Barrett, said he had secured agreement from the Minister for Finance, Mr Quinn, for the funding.
He said the State money was in addition to £1 million negotiated through the EU Maritime Interreg Fund, and both sums will become available when planning permission is secured and a credible financial package is established. The total cost of the project is expected to be £10 million.
The Minister said the commitment would provide the necessary impetus to develop the 500 berth marina in the middle harbour area of the port.
"This funding commitment reflects the confidence in the viability of a marina facility at Dun Laoghaire. It will have a considerable impact on the progress of the development by giving the security to attract potential investors," he said.
Mr Barrett added, in a statement, that he had a longstanding commitment to the development of the marina and leisure facilities at Dun Laoghaire Harbour and this commitment was now being realised.
He described the marina project as potentially the largest development of its kind in Ireland, because with the 500berth development there would also be an enhanced and expanded recreational/leisure facility in the Old Habour/Coal Harbour area and at the West Pier.
Phase one of the project began last year when consultants Mouchel McCullough were appointed to design the marina and leisure development. This team is preparing a detailed planning application, due to be lodged with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in August.
The proposed development will be "State controlled" but run on a management basis with representation from the Harbour Authority, users and yacht clubs.
Local residents' groups and An Taisce support the marina development but are concerned about the additional traffic it will generate in an already traffic congested borough.