Sir, - I would like to respond to the concerns raised by Dr John De Courcy Ireland (June 22nd) and the Rev Patrick J. Mangan (June 26th).
I think it is important that I state very clearly at the outset that the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company has no intention now or in the foreseeable future of excluding the general public from either the coal harbour or the boat yard. The management of the boat yard only is being transferred to the marina operator, Marina Marketing & Management Ltd. This is being done to ensure its future viability as a well-staffed and well-equipped boat storage facility available to the general public. Moorings in the coal harbour will continue to be allocated and managed by the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company.
A number of meetings have taken place with representatives of the users of the boat yard in relation to its future management. During the course of these discussions the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company has confirmed the following:
1. The boat yard will continue to be used as a public facility.
2. The rights of existing tenants, including the St Michael's Rowing Club, will be honoured.
3. Access by the public via the boat yard in order to gain access to the public slipway in the boat yard is guaranteed.
The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company has also urged the representatives of the boat yard users to meet Marina Marketing & Management Ltd to discuss any outstanding concerns they may have about the future running of the boat yard. Both Marina Marketing & Management Ltd and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company are disappointed that, to date, they have not taken up the offer. Finally, it should be noted that the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, as part of an ongoing commitment to improve safe access by the public to the harbour, is currently carrying out improvements to the public slipway in the boat yard and addressing other safety features in the coal harbour. It is also discussing with St Michael's Rowing Club the construction of a clubhouse in the boat yard. The site for the clubhouse will be provided by Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company at a minimum rent. - Yours, etc.,
Michael Hanahoe, Chief Executive, Dun Laoghaire, Harbour Company, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.