Cllr. Derek Mitchell (FG), Kiltoorish, Manor Avenue, Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

 

Phone/Fax  01-­‐2874115(H),  087-­‐2574969  

 mitchelldc0@gmail.com

www.derekmitchell.ie 23rd  September,  2013   Press Release Donnelly Plan for Harbour is only a Dream In 2007 the harbour was derelict whereas now it is the best leisure harbour in Wicklow and the 4th best Nationally, after Dun Laoghaire, Cork and Howth. It has given a great boost to tourism with lots of high spending yachting visitors who would never have come to the town but for the proper harbour. They greatly like Greystones and are not concerned that the site is unfinished. The plan suggests €13m of extra expenditure but gives no idea where this might come from. The Deputy claims he is an economist and I can’t understand how an economist can totally ignore money. A Plan without money to implement it is only a Dream. The way to make this project move forward is to understand the costs and engineering issues and ask for appropriate items without adding extras. I have offered to explain them to Deputy Donnelly but he seems to prefer to Dream without facts.

I wrote to Sisk in July and asked for a number of items. So far, from this list, they have improved the site and fencing and I hope on Tuesday they will agree to open the North Breakwater and most of the large Public Square together with better landscaping. I am opposed to turning the Club area into a picnic spot as the Sea Scouts, Anglers, Rowers, Divers and sailors need the clubhouses they have been promised. I asked Bord Pleanala to include a coastal protection condition but they refused to include this, probably because it is against national policy. It is a pity that Deputy Donnelly did not support this then instead of waiting till it is too late. This project will be finished in a few years. I campaigned to get the DART to Greystones for 22 years. So far I have pushed rebuilding the harbour for 15 years and expect it to be completed in less time than the DART campaign. Ends Councillor Derek Mitchell, member of Wicklow County Council. "Turning Vision into Reality" Kiltoorish, Manor Avenue, Greystones, Co. Wicklow Ph: 01 287 4115 Mob: 0872574969 www.derekmitchell.ie