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Displaying items by tag: Coastguard Cottages

A number of derelict coastguard cottages in Crosshaven are to be converted into social housing, as the Irish Examiner reports.

Plans for 24 social housing units at the central location overlooking Cork Harbour echo those for Dun Laoghaire’s own former coastguard cottages approved last year.

A total 12 one-bed and 12 three-bed units will be developed at what had become an eyesore at the gateway to Crosshaven village.

The Crosshaven Coastguard cottages are facing the Royal Cork Yacht Club and its marina at the top of the photo. Crossahven Garda station is the white cottage on left. The new builds will be in the green area behind the cottages. The Crosshaven Coastguard Building is pictured in the foreground behind the cottages. Photo: Bob BatemanThe Crosshaven Coastguard cottages are facing the Royal Cork Yacht Club and its marina at the top of the above photo and pictured at the bottoon of the drawing below. Crosshaven Garda station is the white cottage on left. The proposed new builds will be in the green area behind the cottages. The Crosshaven Coastguard Building is pictured in the foreground behind the cottages. Photo: Bob Bateman

crosshaven plans

In addition, seven existing residences on the site will be turned into two-bed units by Cork County Council, who voted to approve the project recently.

The Irish Examiner has more on the story HERE.

Published in Cork Harbour

Plans to restore Dun Laoghaire Harbour’s Coastguard Cottages for social housing are among the local authority’s list of goals and achievements throughout what’s been a tumultuous 2020.

Most recently restored in 2014 and occupied by the combined Dun Laoghaire Waterfront Clubs, the four unoccupied cottages adjacent to the Commissioners of Irish Lights headquarters date from the mid-1800s.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has confirmed in its 2021 budget report that its architects and Housing Department are looking at plans to renovate the buildings as social homes (see page 104).

This is among other works on the waterfront, including an engineering survey of the West Pier that’s expected to commence before the end of the year.

Other achievements highlighted for the year include works to realign steps on the East Pier, restoration of ratings and the lighthouse on the West Pier, revitalised seating on the ferry terminal plaza and an ongoing repair project on the timber fenders at Berth 4.

About Electric outboard engines

The direct-drive component in electric outboard engines means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power.

Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run.

As a result, electric boat engines are becoming more popular on Irish waters as the world transitions from fossil fuels to green energy.

To date, popular electric engine sizes have been trolling engines typically used by fishermen on lakes.

These marine engines are available in models that can be used in fresh water and sea water, for your boat or kayak.

Electric motors are Ideal for fishermen because they are quiet and create little in the way of disturbance 

Popular electric trolling models range from 30lb thrust to 55lb thrust in a range of shaft lengths.

But use is becoming broader now in 2021 and electric outboard engines are being used on small runabouts and RIBS where electric outboard engine sizes are getting bigger.

Outboard electric engines are economical and environmentally friendly. Battery technology is also improving at a rapid rate meaning they are becoming smaller and lighter and run for longer.

Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail are also options meaning the electric outboard now has a home on the stern on small yachts and dayboats too.

As far back as 2014, Torqeedo owner Jack O'Keefe from Cork Harbour told Afloat readers of his sailing adventures in a Drascombe Coaster dinghy and how after swapping from a petrol version the rewards from his new electric outboard engine are less noise, no smells, more stowage, better sailing performance and a motor that can be started by a small child. But it's still not silent, there's a whine he says here 

Popular brands in Ireland are Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Pulsar and Minn Kota but there are more arriving all the time as the technology advances