Doolin private pier seen as likely option

Efforts to prevent a popular west of Ireland gateway from falling into private hands look doomed.

This follows the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources informing the Doolin Community Harbour Co-op that it does not have the funding to develop a €14 million public pier.

The co-op was formed last year in response to plans by a local company, Doolin Ferries Ltd, to develop a €13 million private pier at the north Co Clare resort. Each summer thousands use the current pier at Doolin to travel to the Aran Islands and the service is seen as vital for tourism.

In response to calls from the Doolin Community Harbour Co-op, the Department of the Marine carried out a feasibility study into the possibility of a public pier being developed. While this was being completed, the consideration of a foreshore licence for the private pier by Doolin Ferries Ltd was suspended.

However, the findings of the study concluded that a pier would cost some €12 to €14 million, with the most preferable option being a public-private partnership. The Department of the Marine has told the co-op that no money is available for such a venture.

Following the Department's negative response on funding, Doolin Ferries confirmed that the Department of the Marine was now actively considering the application for the foreshore licence for their pier once more, with a decision expected in weeks.

Company director Mr Bill O'Brien said: "Everyone wants the service to continue so I would hope that people would put their rivalries and begrudgery aside and allow the pier be built. There is no other option because there is no other money available."

He said the company would also shortly lodge a planning application to accompany the foreshore licence application - the foreshore application relates to any development below the high-water mark.

However, the Doolin Harbour Community Co-op claimed yesterday that if the public pier didn't happen now it would never happen. "We haven't given up," a spokesman said.

He added: "We are not against Doolin Ferries, but we want a community-owned pier and do not want a return to the landlord days where one person controlled everything. I am not saying that will happen now, but what if in 20 years Doolin Ferries sells to the highest bidder, where would the community be then?"

The co-op is expected to oppose the granting of a licence in the consultation process conducted by the Department of the Marine.