Long-awaited dredging at the popular West Cork boating harbour of Courtmacsherry is underway but restrictions are now in place for visiting boats for three to four weeks as the harbour's pontoon is unavailable and the slipway blocked off.
Local fishermen are making every effort to provide moorings and other accommodation for visiting yachts, according to local yachtsman Norman Kean.
The much-needed work has to be done in summer because of the estuary’s bird life.
In an update, Courtmacsherry Harbour Boat Club Commodore Tom Murray told members:
- The pontoon will be removed and will be unavailable.
- The Slipway will effectively be blocked off as it will be central to the work site.
- The Field will be used for the Contractors equipment and temporary storage of dredged materials awaiting onwards transportation to Portlaoise for safe disposal.
- There is expected to be 158 truckloads to be transported to Portlaoise.
- During the works, the majority of the Western side of the Pier area will be blocked off with limited access to the rest of the Pier. No parking will be available on the Pier.
- Drop-offs and loading to boats should be possible on the pier steps on the eastern side of the pier. Due to the loss of the pontoon, these areas will be busy no doubt with angling and whale watching boat traffic as well as fishermen and other users.
- Storage of dinghies should be possible on the Pier House side of the Eastern Pier although launching/recovery will be restricted by Tides as that slip dries out. Alternatively, dinghies may be best stored on the Beach down by GEKO.
- If planning to launch your boat, I recommend that you do so before the 20th. Access to the slipway will only be for emergency situations.
- It is envisaged that the works will continue during daylight hours only. Weekend work may be engaged depending on timelines.
"It is unfortunate that these works have to take place during the high boating season, but the pontoon area should be a better safer place for all boat users once the works are complete," Murray said.