Harbour Development Projects
BANTRY INNER HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT
The Port of Cork will undertake Phase 1 of the Bantry Inner Harbour Development on behalf of its subsidiary company, Bantry Bay Port Company.
The scheme marks the start of the regenerating of the inner harbour and is in keeping with the total Inner Harbour Development scheme which was developed by the Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners in 2012 and planning permission was granted in 2013.
Now being advanced by the Bantry Bay Port Company, the scheme will provide a more sheltered harbour environment and marina with increased water depth and improved pier facilities which will promote fishing and tourism activities in the Bantry area.
Phase 1, which is likely to cost €8.5m, will consist of the following principal elements:
- 20 berth Marina (quayside pontoons)
- Dredging to a depth of 4 metres to allow vessels access to the inner harbour
- Remedial works to Town Pier (widening and extending)
- 4,000m2 of reclaimed landscaped amenity area
- Construction of 60m long floating breakwater pontoon
- Beach nourishment at Cove site
Commenting on the development, Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork said that there are many benefits for Bantry and the wider Harbour area in undertaking such a project. “Works to the Town Pier will ensure improved longevity of the existing pier structure and improved access and facilities on the pier will facilitate existing activities and hopefully generate more commercial activity for Bantry Harbour. There will be improved berthage available for larger marine vessels and the Company would hope that this will lead to an upturn in marine leisure in and around Bantry Harbour” he said.
It is expected that construction will commence on the project in Q4 2015 and will be complete in Q1 2017. The work will be phased in order to minimise impacts to pier operations and to minimise traffic and amenity impacts for the town.