Derelict ships to be taken from Waterford

A number of derelict ships described as an eyesore in Waterford port for several years are to be removed within the next three…

A number of derelict ships described as an eyesore in Waterford port for several years are to be removed within the next three months, the High Court was told yesterday.

Gary McCarthy, counsel for the Port of Waterford Company, said it had reached a settlement of proceedings against the owner of four ships moored at Bilberry Quay under which the vessels were to be removed. Mr McCarthy earlier described the four vessels as “dilapidated and derelict”. It was claimed the vessels, located just 1.5km from Waterford city centre in Waterford port, itself a special area of conservation, constituted a real danger to the environment, including the release of pollutants.

Under yesterday’s settlement, announced to Mr Justice Roderick Murphy, four vessels named the Elizabeth O, the Seal Sand, Duncannon Hulk, and the EKO are to be removed within 12 weeks.