‘Preferred bidder’ close to marina deal

WHILE a number of Kilrush Town Councillors expressed concern relating to the future development of Kilrush Marina, Councillor Tom Prendeville told last week’s monthly meeting that a ‘preferred bidder’ is close to putting plans in place for the further development of the facility.

“People are concerned in the town regarding the future of the marina,” Councillor Liam Williams commented when proposing a motion that the town council seek an update from Shannon Development regarding the ongoing development of the marina.
In reply, Kilrush town clerk John Corry said he had spoken with Finbar Broughan of Shannon Development, who said the person dealing with Kilrush Marina was on holiday until Monday of this week.
Councillor Williams was unhappy with this reply. “We need go get answers and that kind of answer is unacceptable,” the former town mayor stated.
However, Councillor Prendeville, who is also a Kilrush Marina director, interjected and informed the meeting that progress was being made.
“The heads of agreement are almost finalised and are at a very, very delicate stage. It’s going through a tough time at the moment. I understand the preferred bidder has ambitious plans for the development of the marina,” Councillor Prendeville revealed, although he added that he couldn’t go into further detail at this point.
He did say, however, that he believed the proposed agreement would be finalised by September.
“It assures the future of Kilrush Marina,” Councillor Prendeville said. 
In March 2007, Shannon Development said it had reached an agreement in principle with L&M Keating for the further development of Kilrush Creek Marina and its landbank.
“This development is a welcome boost to tourism and employment in the town of Kilrush. In particular, the provision of a four-star hotel will be a major draw for visitors wishing to stay in the area and will provide significant employment in the town,” the then county councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn said at the time.
Meanwhile, on a related note, Kilrush Mayor Mairéad O’Brien expressed frustration that Kilrush Town Council hadn’t been informed that a flotilla of 38 boats, inclusive of 138 people, visited Kilrush Marina on Thursday, July 5.
The largest-ever flotilla of boats to visit Kilrush Marina sailed from Limerick City to Kilrush as part of the inaugural Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) Limerick/Shannon Estuary Rally.
“Our members are looking forward to their stay in Kilrush and would like to invite visitors to pop down to the Marina to meet the crews and have a look at the boats,” Noel Griffin from the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, organisers of the rally, said prior to the visit.
Nobody however, told the town mayor or town councillors about the visit.
“I think we missed out, big time,” Mayor O’Brien said. “If there’s something happening at the marina, we shouldn’t be in ignorance about it. Everyone doesn’t have to love everyone but we need to talk,” the disgruntled mayor suggested.