Planning refused for Baltimore breakwater
The proposed breakwater was to be 400 metres in length connected to the shore west of the car park adjacent to the West Pier extending west and then north and north east around the Inner Harbour. Picture: Denis Scannell
The plans were lodged by Cork County Council to An Bord Pleanála in September 2016 and follows on from a consultants report which recommended changes for the harbour commissioned in 1987.
The proposed breakwater was to be 400 metres in length connected to the shore west of the car park adjacent to the West Pier extending west and then north and north east around the Inner Harbour.
Thirteen submissions had been made in support of the breakwater.
They had argued that the breakwater would create a tranquil inner harbour for all users, increase the number of people using the harbour and bring an increase in business in the village with more employment.
They also said investment in piers, pontoons and slipways have been made over last 10 years but facilities cannot be used in bad weather due to lack of shelter with vessels having to go up river, which is tidal, for shelter.
Nine objections were lodged against the plan arguing the breakwater would confine all vessels leaving or entering the harbour to a single corridor.
Alternatives were suggested including extending the north pier to give fishing vessels protection in bad weather.
In recent days the planning board made their decision to refuse permission for the development.
They accepted there was a need to improve the safety and accessibility of Baltimore harbour and accepted the principle of the breakwater. However, they said its construction would result in the permanent loss of 1.57 hectares of shallow sand/mud habitat.
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