€12 million investment into Dunmore East harbour considered in 2019 – nothing has happened since

It was revealed through documents obtained by Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane, through the Freedom of Information Act, that in 2019, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine paid RPS, an engineering and consulting firm, to carry out a feasibility study on Dunmore East harbour.

The government were interested in the viability of a “high level development” of the harbour facilities.

RPS identified three options, ranging from €1.2 million to €72.3 million. RPS identified option two as the preferable option, which they estimated would cost €12.6 million.

However, once the feasibility study was completed, no further action has been taken so far.

Deputy Cullinane told the Waterford News & Star: “This is deeply frustrating for Dunmore East and for Waterford.

“The development of Dunmore East Harbour would unleash huge potential. It would improve facilities for fishermen, support leisure and marine activity, and strengthen the harbour’s capacity to attract more cruise liner visits.” 

He concluded that, “Dunmore East is a jewel in Waterford’s crown, but it needs investment. The government cannot continue to sit on reports while opportunities are lost.” 

Currently, the harbour does not have the capacity for large boats and cruise ships to dock in the harbour, they must anchor several hundred metres from the shore.

This creates logistical difficulties, especially for cruise ships, because tenders are required to take passengers to and from the boat. If there is bad weather, tenders are unable to bring passengers into Waterford, causing uncertainty for local businesses.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine were contacted for comment but did not respond at the time of publication.