Co-operation call for Doolin pier development

SIX million euro is available for development at Doolin pier but the co-operation of ferry operators is very important for it to happen successfully, this week’s meeting of Clare County Council heard.

Councillor Joe Arkins introduced a motion asking for a progress report on the development of marine harbours in the county.
In her written response, Nora Kaye outlined the position regarding Doolin. “Earlier this year, an allocation of €6 million was announced to facilitate significant improvement works at Doolin. Following an examination of options, it has been decided that the most appropriate approach is to proceed with the development of a new pier at a short distance to the west of the existing pier. Overall, the proposed works incorporate the construction of an access road to the new pier site, the development of the pier itself along with revetment and also the implementation of some dredging to ensure that berthing can be achieved by the vessels serving the Aran Islands at all times.
“A Part 8 planning process will commence shortly in relation to the proposal and an application for a Foreshore Licence will follow shortly thereafter to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Simultaneously, a process is underway to facilitate appointment of consultants to deal with the subsequent stages of development with a view to having the project substantially completed by the end of 2011.”
Councillor Joe Arkins welcomed news that plans are in train for development. “I’m pleased that there is significant progress on the improvement of Doolin Pier and it’s important it proceed with the greatest haste.”
County manager Tom Coughlan said that for the project to go well there would be a need for co-operation from a number of stakeholders.
He said that ferry operators will need to work with each other and added that they couldn’t be forced to do so. “The way forward needs to come from the ferry operators and if they can’t co-operate, I don’t see how the council can make them.”
He said that while there is €6 million available it would be “premature” to move until there is co-operation among the ferry operators.
Councillor Martin Conway agreed that they have to take responsibility. “What’s gone on has been a shambles and it’s quite right that it be put back on the ferry operators themselves,” he said.
The town manager said that the saga surrounding the pier has been going on for 20 years and that it needed resolution. “It’s time we had a product that everyone can be proud of,” he said.
He said he is hoping to get a comprehensive proposals from the ferry operators and that he would be committed to progressing the development.