Cork South West TD Christopher O’Sullivan has confirmed that he has arranged for a meeting to take place between Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue and Cork County Council management to discuss a funding mechanism for the repair and extension of the old pier at Keelbeg in Union Hall.
It is hoped that some members of the local campaign to save the West Cork pier will also attend.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the decision was made to close the Keelbeg pier to public access in April 2022 “in order to improve safety”, a move that was met with dismay from the local community.
Deputy O’Sullivan said: “There was great positivity at the meeting in Keelbeg Pier last Saturday [10 February] and I want to once again commend the activism and vigilance of the community down there who have so far prevented access from being cut off to the pier.
“It is high time that we had a clear plan for the repair and extension of the old pier at Union Hall. It is such an important facility for locals, rowing club, marine leisure, whale watching boats, as well as some small local fishing boats.”
The cost of the project is estimated at around €1.5 million, but no funding has yet been secured for these works.
Deputy O’Sullivan added: “This is a very unique project. The big advantage for Keelbeg is that it is mentioned on the Government’s National Development Plan. For me this opens up an opportunity for a special fund to be identified to repair and extend the pier.
“I am happy to confirm that I have spoken to both management in Cork County Council as well as the ,inister and they have agreed to sit around a table to discuss a funding mechanism. This meeting will happen as soon as possible.
“There is a long process ahead in terms of planning permissions, foreshore licences and design, but we need to start somewhere.”
