dún laoghaire harbour company

Green light for marina expansion

The Harbour Company has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála for an expansion of the marina by approximately 240 berths.

Last year the Harbour Company applied to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for an amendment to the existing planning permission for the 240 berth Phase 2 of the marina in the Harbour. Permission was granted by the Council in October 2005 but the decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

The marina was opened in 2001 and has been hugely successful. It has already surpassed its 2007 occupancy target of 500 berth holders and currently has a waiting list of over 160. The marina also accommodates more than 1,200 visiting boats annually that bring over 5,000 visitors to Dun Laoghaire.

The revised layout of Phase 2 will see approximately 120 berths built on to the existing marina pontoons and a further 120 berths laid out adjacent to the West Pier Breakwater. The revised layout eliminates any berths alongside Traders Wharf in the Harbour.

Phase 2 of the marina development will cost approximately € 3 million and will be funded by the marina operating company, Marina Marketing and Management (MMM) Ltd. MMM was given a thirty year concession to operate the marina by the Harbour Company following a competitive tender process in 2000.

The Harbour Company has applied to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for an amendment to the existing foreshore licence for the marina to accommodate a revised layout of the berths.

It is hoped to begin work as soon as the foreshore licence is granted with a view to having the new berths operational for the start of next year's sailing season in April 2007.

Bandstand restoration

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council recently unveiled its plans for the restoration of the bandstand and shelter on the East Pier. The Council has the legal responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of both structures.

When the refurbishment has taken place, they will both pass into the care of the Harbour Company which will maintain them in perpetuity.

The Council put the work out to tender in June and invited applications from competent contractors who have proven experience in the conservation and repair of protected structures to undertake the work.

The bandstand and shelter were built in the 1890's.

The East Pier Bandstand

Coffee Angel on East Pier

The Harbour Company has a one year agreement on a trial basis with the mobile Coffee Angel to operate on the East Pier. So far, the feedback from customers and walkers has been very good.

Coffee Angel