Infilling of Kinsale Harbour Inlet Needed To Create More Parking
Writes Leo McMahon
Infilling of an inlet in Kinsale Harbour known as ‘The Dam’ off Pier Road in order to increase bays in the car park was proposed by Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) and supported at the monthly meeting of Cork County Council’s Bandon-Kinsale Municipal District (MD).
He also asked that enquiries be made from the ESB with a view to relocating its sub-station from the car park which is close to the inlet. This was agreed.
In recent months, some spaces in the car park have been removed to facilitate the much-welcomed new bus stop and it’s felt that the inlet, which up to the 19th century would have extended all the way up to Short Quay, no longer serves a purpose and its infill would actually increase the number of parking bays.
Senior executive engineer Charlie McCarthy said discussions had already taken place with relevant authorities and what was proposed would involve a foreshore licence. He undertook to make enquiries.
Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind), in support of Cllr Murphy, said there was a need to revisit the council’s overall plan for the future of the car park site which he described as ‘the most important in Kinsale’ and expedite obtaining a foreshore licence. It was agreed to get an update.
Executive engineer Brendan Fehily said he met a Department of Marine official on site last year who said it involved obtaining a foreshore licence. There could be an annuity for a lease and then it would be necessary to get a design and decide if it should be infilled or entirely or a culvert retained. It would most likely involve a ‘Part 8’ public process planning application by the council.
The MD agreed to pursue infilling the dam. Senior executive officer MacDara O Hici said that there was a definite process involved. He undertook to raise the matter with the director of services and try to get a costing. It was agreed to contact the ESB.
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