dún laoghaire harbour company

2008 calendar now on sale

The Harbour Company's calendar has always been a collector's item of unusual photographs of the Harbour. This year is no exception as the calendar features a series of unique and previously unseen late 19th and early 20th century photographs which were presented to the Harbour Company earlier this year by the noted historian Peter Pearson who has just published a new edition of his bestselling book Between the Mountains and the Sea; Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County. The book now includes a 32 page colour introduction highlighting changes since the first edition was published in 1998.

The calendar is a perfect Christmas present for someone close to, or far away from Dun Laoghaire. It is available for €16 (incl. p&p) through the website at www.dlharbour.ie or by calling 01 2801018 during office hours.

Tender for major expansion of marina Facilities

The Harbour Company published a tender on November 23rd to advance its plans to significantly expand marina facilities in the Harbour. The Company has identified the eastern side of the Harbour as the preferred location for a new marina development of up to 1,300 berths. An additional 400 berths will be added to the existing marina's 820 berths on the western side of the Harbour. The addition of 1,700 berths will increase by over 200% the berthing capacity in the Harbour and will create one of the largest marinas in the country. The selection of the preferred location for a new marina follows a study by Fisher Associates, commissioned by the Harbour Company earlier this year, which examined future demand for marina berths in Dun Laoghaire Harbour and reviewed possible marina locations in consultation with the Harbour sailing community. The Company is now seeking proposals from suitably qualified persons or organisations to advance its plans in the following areas:

• Carry out a detailed design study of the preferred option including the identification of optimum solutions for land based support facilities;
• Prepare a comprehensive evaluation of the viability of the development;
• Complete an environmental impact statement;
• Submit planning and foreshore licence applications;

• Supervise construction of the marina. The selected project team will be required to engage in a comprehensive consultation process with Harbour stakeholders and relevant State and local authority agencies.

If the plans advance to construction stage, the new marina will be built between the existing HSS ferry terminal and the East Pier, in front of the Carlisle Pier and the National and Royal St George yacht clubs. A new breakwater extending eastwards and open to pedestrians will be built from St Michael's Wharf to provide shelter for the new moorings. A plan of the new marina is on Page 4.

The Harbour Company has been to the forefront of marina development in Ireland and its decision to advance further expansion of facilities in Dun Laoghaire is driven by the significantly increased demand for marine leisure activities in recent years. Ireland's marine tourism industry is estimated to be worth €631 million and the Irish Marine Federation has forecast that the sector could grow by 30% between 2005 and 2008.

The board of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company believes that its plans, if achieved, will significantly enhance Dun Laoghaire's position as Ireland's premier marina leisure facility as well as bringing significant economic benefits to Dun Laoghaire and its hinterland.