‘Boats identify a safe haven at Bunagee and then they can’t get in’

A request was made to Donegal County Council to improve the facilities at piers and harbours across the county. 

A motion was submitted by 100% Redress Party Councillor Ali Farren, requesting that the council look at the feasibility of developing piers and harbours where practical. The aim is to provide marine facilities for leisure users and, where possible, to facilitate access to adjacent beaches for the able-bodied and wheelchair users.

Cllr Farren brought a general motion as it was a plenary meeting, but highlighted the specific issue of Portmór Pier at Malin Head. “This is a pier that was built by the British so many years ago,” Cllr Farren said.

“It was a deep-water port; nowadays, our pier is hampered because it is filling up with sand. Portmór Pier was a main fishing port, but now, with developments within the tourism industry, I would like to see some amenities at Malin Head pier, which could benefit fishing and tourism. 

“I am asking the council to start developing the pier, with the potential for the tourism and the fishing industry, but also for disabled access to our beaches. In turn, if the right plan were put in place, it would alleviate the buildup of sand. This could be the same on other piers right around the coast of Donegal.”

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Fianna Fáil Councillor Martin McDermott seconded the motion, highlighting that there are other piers affected by a sand build-up. “This is an important motion for our coastal communities because we have a major problem that is happening at a number of piers,” Cllr McDermott said. “Cllr Farren has highlighted Malin Head, where we have the opportunity for leisure facilities, but we also have the problem of coastal sand in the pier. 

“I think as a council, we are in treacherous waters here. If you look at Bunagee, for example, it is promoted as a safe haven for boats to come into, in times of difficulty or bad weather. You can’t get into that pier; boats are unable to get in because of the sand. Those are serious situations. On a bad night, boats identify a safe haven at Bunagee and then they can’t get in. 

“We need a good sit-down with the marine section of the council, take a look at the piers and see what needs to be done. There is a serious issue, the facilities we have at the moment are unusable. I wonder who this falls back on? If there was a bad night and somebody couldn’t get into the pier.”

The Director of Roads and Transportation, Bryan Cannon, responded that the Council will continue to investigate and pursue opportunities with relevant stakeholders to develop its pier and harbour facilities and infrastructure, both where practical and where funding can be secured, to provide facilities for leisure users. Additionally, the pier and harbour team continue to support colleagues in the environment team in relation to beach access where relevant.

Having addressed that, a general answer was provided as it was a general motion. Mr Cannon added that the harbour bylaws were discussed at a recent SPC meeting, and in relation to Cllr Farren and Cllr McDermott’s specific issues, he is happy to discuss the proposals further with them. 

Cllr Farren thanked Mr Cannon for “opening the door” and recommended that a feasibility study of piers be carried out. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme