Defence objection to marina will be discussed

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company intends to meet Department of Defence officials within a week to try to resolve objections to a proposed marina. The Department of Defence is one of four appellants to lodge objections to the project with An Bord Pleanala. Planning permission for the £10 million to £12 million 680-berth structure was granted by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last month.

An Taisce, St Michael's Rowing Club and a local resident, Mr Charles Pearson, who is concerned about the implications for the harbour's heritage status, have also lodged objections with the planning appeals board.

The Department of Defence is objecting to any impact on its facilities for the FCA and Slua Muiri. The facilities are near the old coastguard station and the Department also owns a helipad. No alternative facilities had been provided in the harbour company's plans, according to a Department spokesman. He said a meeting had been convened with the company.

Ironically, it was a former minister for defence who gave the marina project a major boost. Mr Sean Barrett, the Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, secured the initial EU and State funding of £4 million to build the necessary breakwaters.

Mr Michael Hanahoe, of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, said the company had already been in discussions with the Department during the planning stages. "We thought that all these issues had been resolved, but obviously not. We are going to attempt to do that now."