Dunmore East project to set example for Irish ports

Coastwatch Ireland has initiated an environmental initiative for Dunmore East, Co Waterford, which could serve as a model for other ports and harbours.

The Clean Harbour project includes a waste management plan to recycle or reuse batteries, waste oil, used oil filters and solvents.

Wheelie bins have been put in strategic points around the harbour and a bottle bank has been installed. The Minister of State for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Hugh Byrne, has described it as a "pathfinder initiative" for other harbours.

Speaking at a function to mark its introduction, Mr Byrne said the project aimed to bring the different harbour-users - fishermen, fish farmers, marine leisure activists, commercial interests and the local community - together in partnership with State agencies, including his Department and Waterford County Council.

He paid tribute to Ms Karin Dubsky, of Coastwatch Ireland, and to the acting harbour master, Mr Sean Kearns, and his staff.

The Department has invited tenders from consultants for an analysis of the infrastructural requirements of Dunmore East. It will take account of the socio-economic role of the fishing industry and the potential role of the harbour as a centre for marine leisure and other "potential" commercial users.

The Dunmore East Clean Harbour project is part of the Clean Seas initiative, a joint Ireland-Wales venture run by Coastwatch Ireland and the Keep Wales Tidy campaign and supported by the EU Interreg II programme.