Worries over mooring ease

A major concern for some Dun Laoghaire sailors appears to have been allayed by a recently-devised compromise devised by representatives of the clubs and the harbour board. There was speculation that the development of the marina in the port would displace some mooring holders and that they would not be accommodated anywhere in the harbour area.

However, it has now been agreed that the wooden boat moorings lost for 2000 will be provided in a fresh set of moorings to be laid between the Carlisle and St Michael's Wharves off the Royal St George, which should cater for boats that can only be moored on swing moorings. A temporary facility for the larger boats from the outer strings will also be in place on the number two berth on the eastern side of the Carlisle Pier.

It was generally accepted that most moored boats would rush to take up berths in the marina until consideration focused on several classes unsuited to marinas. The majority of these are wooden boat, classes such as the Glens and Mermaids. Concerns over high marina fees add more boats to the list, such as various keelboats run on partnerships or limited budgets that might not extend to covering the jump in costs with marina berths.

According to the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, a total of 230 moorings will eventually be lost to make way for the 680 marina berths. The two new initiatives should see about 100 boats relocated while the longer-term goal is that all those owners choosing not to take a marina berth will retain a swing mooring following a reshuffle of boats within the harbour.