#MixedReaction – The proposed cruise-berth for Dun Laoghaire Harbour needs jumbo ships to survive, according to the CEO of the Harbour Company.
"We wouldn't turn it back into an industrial harbour like Dublin Port but nor can it survive as purely a leisure harbour either - it must have commerce," Gerry Dunne, CEO of the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC), told the Herald.
Lodged
Controversial plans have been lodged with An Bord Pleanala to develop an €18m cruise berth capable of accommodating the world's largest cruise ships in the harbour.
Reaction to the proposal has been divided in the seaside town, but Mr Dunne said they are confident that their application, which cost €100,000 to submit, will be upheld.
"In the cold light of day when people look at the quality and the depth of our submission, I think that they'll see there are very, very few people discommoded by our plans and that the upside there is a huge benefit for the national and the local economy," he said.
The DLHC suffered a blow last year when Stena Line ferries pulled out of the port. Plans are afoot to bring a ferry operator back to the town next summer.
For much more on the controversial cruise-berth and mixed reaction to the plans from local business community while business booms in Dublin Port as liners queue up for berths, click here.
