Greystones marina talks halted

Wicklow County Council has terminated its discussions with the Isle of Man-based financier, Mr Albert Gubay, on the provision of a £50 million marina to be located at Greystones.

The council has for the last 12 years been in protracted discussions with Mr Gubay's company, Kirkham Enterprises, on the scheme. Last year The Irish Times revealed that Wicklow County Council was preparing to make a deal with Mr Gubay, selling him development land at a reduced price on condition that accrued profits would go towards the marina development.

However, locals protested when they discovered that the planned marina village also included a large hotel and four five-storey apartment blocks.

In order for the scheme to progress, land around the north beach at Greystones Harbour would need to be rezoned. However, locals felt there was no guarantee that if the marina did not go ahead, the land would revert to its previous zoning.

The council's decision not to proceed in talks with Mr Gubay does not, however, rule out the development of a smaller marina.

Under the proposed draft development plan, which is due to go on public display next month, the area around Greystones Harbour will be rezoned, but for a much lower housing density than Mr Gubay's 712-unit scheme.

According to the draft plan, any future development must improve the damaged harbour, protect the rapidly eroding north beach and provide a marina. The purpose of the new zoning is to enhance the marine tradition of the town and provide better facilities for existing users as well as new facilities for sea scouts and the coastal rescue service. The zoning allows for 200 low-rise houses to help fund the facilities.

Wicklow County Council is to ask consultants to prepare an action plan for the area.