18 December 2008
Minister Sargent makes progress on having Balbriggan harbour restored
Fingal County Council has updated Trevor Sargent TD, Minister for Food & Horticulture, and local TD on current and ongoing developments regarding the restoration of Balbriggan Harbour. Minister Sargent had contacted the Environment Department of the Council concerning the general dilapidated state of the harbour following numerous representations from concerned locals and pupils of nearby Loreto School.
The following measures are being currently undertaken by Fingal County Council to remedy the situation.
- As part of the rehabilitation of the four Fingal harbours, they are examining options to replace the old dome that was removed due to excessive iron corrosion. However, a private benefactor has recently come forward, so the dome may be replaced sooner independently of the Rehabilitation Project.
- A price has been obtained to repaint the lighthouse and it is hoped that this will be carried out next year.
- Graffiti has been removed by way of over-painting.
- A method is being devised to have the discarded shopping trolleys removed as soon as possible with regard to the Health & Safety of personnel involved.
- It is hoped that have the old boat wrecks removed in the first quarter of 2009 following advertising on the Etenders website.
- Vandalised life rings and warning signs are continuously being replaced. Unfortunately the current life span of a life ring is approximately 10 days.
Minister Sargent said, “I will continue in my efforts for the people of Balbriggan together with my colleague Town Councillor Stephen Kilgallon, to have this potentially pretty harbour restored to its once former glory.”
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