The Development Committee advises members that HYC has obtained permission from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (DAFF) to dredge the Marina Channel.
Following a competitive tendering process, Dundalk Port's dredging company has been contracted to dredge a 34m wide channel to a minimum depth of 2.6m below chart datum. Their dredger, Hebble Sand, under the command of Capt Frank Allen CEO Dundalk Port, is expected to start operations this week and to complete the project within three to four weeks.
The Hebble Sand is a large vessel, 47m LOA with 12m beam which will operate 12 hours a day, six days a week and may restrict access to the Marina at times. All boats must give way to this vessel and its attendant workboats. Capt Allen will work closely with Mark McGowan and his staff to minimise the impact on the sailing programme but some disruption is likely and the understanding and cooperation of all members is requested.
Permission to dredge has been obtained following two years of investigations and negotiations by members of this and the previous Development Committees, assisted by RPS consultants. I wish to acknowledge the cooperation of: DAFF (Fisheries, Howth Harbour Fishery Centre and Coastal Zone Management), Dublin Port, Fingal Co. Co., Dept of Environment (Pollution Control, Heritage and Wildlife) and the Marine Institute in enabling this project to proceed.
Michael Murphy
Chairman HYC Development Committee
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