Minister urged to halt Coal Harbour transfer

More than 250 people attended a public meeting in Dun Laoghaire last night to express their concern at the transfer of the Coal Harbour and boatyard from a semi-state to a commercial company.

As part of the marina development at Dun Laoghaire, the Coal Harbour and boatyard is expected to be handed from the Harbour Company to Marina Marketing and Management Ltd. next March.

Speakers said the Coal Harbour and boatyard were accessible public facilities, but if taken over by a private company, they would become the preserve of the wealthy. The meeting unanimously passed a motion asking Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Frank Fahey, to halt the transfer.

"It urges him to meet the committee of CHUG [Coal Harbour Users' Group] to discuss the future of this historic area of Dun Laoghaire harbour." Failing this, it called on the committee to take necessary action "to defend and protect the interests of all users of the Coal Harbour and its boatyard."

Several public representatives pledged their support, including Labour TD Mr Eamon Gilmore who said he would raise the issue in the Dail next week.

Mr Gilmore said he believed the transfer of these facilities was in breach of the 1996 Harbours Act. A section states the body running the harbour has a legal obligation to take into account the other users of the facilities and to have due regard for the consequences of its actions on the amenities in the vicinity of the harbour.

Mr Tim Magennis, PRO for CHUG, pointed out that the Coal Harbour and boatyard were used by generations of local people for their small crafts. He said he would go from a position of paying £400 a year for his 30-foot vessel at the Coal Harbour and boatyard to £2,450 under the charges advertised by the new marina. He said the users' group would not enter into any talks with Marina Marketing and Management and would only recognise the Harbour Company. Maritime historian Dr John de Courcey Ireland said ordinary people had a right to be consulted before any of their rights and privileges were taken away.

There were no speakers on behalf of the Harbour Company or Marina Marketing and Management Ltd.