Approved Inver pier upgrade a ‘vital’ community and fishing resource

An Coimisíun Pleanála has approved Donegal County Council’s application for the upgrading of Port Pier in Inver Bay.

Port Pier currently provides access to Inver Bay for fishing and leisure vessels; however, it was noted that “the approaches to the pier are shallow and siltation adjacent to the existing pier restricts both access and berthing at the pier.”

Within the Inspector’s Report by Liam Bowe for An Coimisíun Pleanála, it was written: “The current pier facility at Port Inver needs to be updated to meet the functional, safety, and environmental standards required to effectively support the local fishing industry.

“This extension is vital to ensuring that the pier remains a viable, long-term resource for the community and local fishermen, accommodating modern needs and environmental challenges.”

Bowe concluded that the proposed pier upgrading and extension supports “the sustainable growth and development of the maritime economy.”

The proposed development includes the construction of two new sheet pile sections encased in a concrete facade, with the area enclosed by the new pier to be dredged to a depth of -0.9 m.

Prior to the dredging, a sheet pile retaining wall will be installed in front of the existing slipway to prevent it from being undermined.

An additional area of 1,121 square metres from behind the existing pier will be reclaimed using the dredged material predominantly.

The Development Applications Unit (DAU) consulted with the applicant, stating that there was “a potential that previous unrecorded industrial infrastructure and associated artefacts may be encountered during proposed dredging works,” and that there was “also the potential for wreck sites to be uncovered due to the nature of the maritime industry and local hazards near Port.”

Regarding the environment, Bowe felt “the proposed development would not have significant negative effects on the environment or the community in the vicinity, would not give rise to the risk of pollution,” and “would not adversely impact on the cultural, archaeological and built heritage of the area.”

An Coimisíun Pleanála granted permission for the project, with ten conditions, primarily imposed to protect the biodiversity and archaeological, industrial, and cultural heritage of the area.