Written Answers. - Dingle (Kerry) Marina.
Michael Joe Cosgrave
Ceist:
118
Mr. Cosgrave
asked the
Minister for the Marine
if he has received a report regarding the marina at the Skellig Hotel, Dingle, County Kerry; and if he will (a) publish the findings of this report (b) make a decision regarding these findings (c) outline the cost of the inquiry and (d) provide the finance for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
On 13 December last, I announced my approval in principle to the granting of a foreshore lease to Dingle Skellig Hotel Limited in respect of the proposed reclamation of foreshore at Dingle, County Kerry, for the purpose of construction of a marina and other facilities.
In reaching my decision, I accepted the general findings and recommendations of the chairman of the public inquiry relating to the application for a foreshore lease, which was held in Dingle last May in accordance with the provisions of the Foreshore Act, 1933. In his report to me, the chairman of the inquiry, Mr. Thomas J. McMahon, had recommended that the application be approved subject to agreement on appropriate legal aspects and the following conditions; 1. The preservation and enhancement of the relevant sections of the traditional rights-of-way along the shoreline, between the Town and Hussey's Folly, where they may be affected by the proposed development; 2. The preservation of vehicular access to the foreshore and right-of-way which extends east from the existing public road at the Skellig Hotel; 3. The preparation of a specific marketing study to enable the promoter to satisfy himself as to a meaningful size for the marina, both in the initial and ultimate stages, having regard for the need for the long term requirements of this type of infrastructural development; 4. The preparation of a hydrographic and computer modelling study to determine, among other things, breakwater effects, changes in current patterns on the equilibrium of Dingle Harbour with specific reference to the big bank, the east channel, the main channel and the proposed marina access channel; 5. The preparation of specific site investigations in relation to sub-bottom conditions and having particular regard for the composition of the big bank where it would be traversed by the marina access channel, the area of the proposed marina basin and if/when rock is encountered to establish its characteristics in terms of excavation and the requirements for blasting if this should prove to be necessary.
The chairman of the inquiry ruled that each party to the inquiry should bear their own costs. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the costs incurred by the Minister for the Marine in holding the inquiry shall be borne by the applicant, the Dingle Skellig Hotel Limited. These costs have been fixed by the Minister for Finance at £49,399.40.
A copy of the chairman's summary report and recommendations is being supplied to the Deputy. Copies of the full report are available from my Department at a cost of £5. Copies of the report and its appendices can be inspected at my Department's headquarters, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2 on request.
