Doolin Pier Development Confirmed

Irish Minister of Defence Tony Killeen has confirmed that Clare County Council has advertised a tender for the provision of consulting engineering led services associated with the design and build contract for the new Doolin harbour development.

The North Clare TD also confirmed that the planning application and the foreshore licence application for the project are being progressed separately by the Council.

"Following numerous consultations with me, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan has agreed to provide a total of six million euro to undertake these works," said Minister Killeen.

"The funding will be administered through the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government."


He continued: "I have made a significant number of representations at Government level on behalf of the local community in recent years and am now delighted that we are at the stage where real movement is being made in relation to these important development works.

"This is very much a step in the right direction and will be welcomed by users of the pier and harbour."

The services that the successful contract applicant will carryout include preparation of design and build tender documentation, management of the tender process, administration of the design and build contract, cost control including agreement of final accounts and provision of PSDP services to appointment of design and build contractor stage.

The proposed new harbour development works comprise a new pier up to 60 metres in length, an access road, and sea dredging in Doolin Harbour.

Originally called Ballaghaline Fishing Station, Doolin Pier is the main access point from County Clare to the Aran Islands.

It is used by fishermen from the Doolin area as well as the Aran Islands due to its close proximity to the local fish processing plant while a ferry service also operates from there.

(NS/BMcC)