'A massive boost for the locality': Plans for major marine activity centre in Cork town welcomed

Plans for a major marine activity centre in Bantry have been welcomed. 

The proposed centre would comprise of two waterfront buildings, with access to a pontoon, slipway, swimming area, boat shed and a recreational centre.

The details of the plan were presented by the Bantry Marine Activities Centre (BMAC) committee in a recent public meeting held in the Marino Church.

Bantry councillor, Danny Collins welcomed the plans for the facility which has received an overwhelmingly positive response from locals.

“I welcome this, it would be a massive boost for the locality. We had a public meeting there not too long and there were up to 80 people in attendance, all of whom were in support of it,” Cllr Collins said.

“The committee was formed a number of years back for a plan the have a Marine Activity Centre for Bantry, which is really missing. We have a very active sailing club in Bantry, we have the Atlantic Challenge Group, plus a number of different swimming groups,” the Independent Councillor for the West Cork Electoral area said.

Plans for facility 

The recent meeting also heard of additional proposals for a multipurpose public room, a potential café, an events space, changing areas, dinghy storage and rockpools.

A parking area with the possibility of space for a workshop, spa area and temporary additions such as food trucks were also raised. 

AP+E Architects were elected to conduct a feasibility study and it presented its results, as well as proposed strategies for the project.

“Prior to the feasibility study there was a survey done where over 400 people took part in it...it came back overwhelmingly with people wanting this marine centre,” the councillor explained.

A proposed site near to the Abbey Cemetery was presented at the recent meeting for the multi-building centre, which is within walking distance of the town centre.

Mr Collins suggested that further work may be needed in order to reinforce the area against bad weather conditions but would ultimately benefit the locality in the long run.

“We have seen the likes of this in other parts of the country, where you have a marine activity centre which would cater for a swimming area, a boat shed, changing facilities with scope for maybe a kitchen or coffee shop. It would be an extra bonus for our town.” 

A representative for AP+E Architects, has said that once the current feasibility study is completed, work will begin on applying for planning permission and funding.

'Bantry can do this'

On this, the Independent councillor added: “It is a big plan. The committee will be looking towards funding from the various departments, especially the Department of Fisheries and Marine and the Rural Regeneration Fund.” 

Cllr Collins stressed the importance of utilising Cork’s coastal areas, suggesting that more can be done by Cork County Council to reinforce and harness the strengths of areas such as Bantry.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West, Christopher O'Sullivan said:“We know Bantry Bay is stunning. We know it’s steeped in history but those who love being on the water need to be able to access it. I was in Dún Laoghaire recently. I was struck by the incredible activity on the water. About 70 kids in small dinghies learning how to sail. Kayakers, rowers and hundreds of swimmers. They were making the most of the several marinas and there are some terrific harbour facilities there. Bantry can do this.”

A further update on the project will be shared in another community information evening in Bantry on Wednesday, December 8 at 7.30pm in the Marino Church.