Call for "proper investment" in berthing infrastructure in Waterford

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Deputy David Cullinane has said the cancellation of a scheduled cruise ship visit to Dunmore East underlines the urgent need for proper investment in the harbour and permanent berthing infrastructure.

Such is his concern over the matter that Deputy Cullinane said he will be moving a topical motion in the Dáil on the issue next week.

“The Seven Seas Grandeur was due to bring around 700 passengers ashore on Wednesday, but the visit was cancelled due to weather and sea conditions," he said.

"The cancellation was a blow to local businesses and the wider Waterford tourism sector, and showed again why long-term investment in Dunmore East Harbour cannot be delayed any further," he added.

Highlighting that businesses across Dunmore East and Waterford City, in addition to other areas of the county, has prepared to welcome hundreds of visitors only for the visit to be cancelled at the last minute.

“That is deeply disappointing for local businesses, tourism providers and the community, who were ready to showcase the very best of Waterford," he said.

However, he also said it highlighted a bigger issue.

"Dunmore East Harbour has huge potential, but that potential will not be fully realised without proper capital investment and permanent berthing infrastructure," he said.

“For years, development options for Dunmore East Harbour have been identified," he added.

Deputy Cullinane said those plans pointed to the need for serious investment, ranging from major upgrades to large-scale redevelopment but he said the Government had failed to match that ambition with the funding required.

“The current level of investment is simply not enough," he said.

"A few million euro here and there will not deliver the modern, fit-for-purpose harbour that Waterford needs," he added.

He went on to highlight the significance of Dunmore East: "Dunmore East is central to our fishing industry, our maritime economy and our tourism offering. It should be treated as strategic infrastructure for the South East. This cancellation is a reminder of the cost of underinvestment. It means lost footfall, lost income and lost opportunity for local businesses and communities."

“The Government must stop sitting on the plans and start funding the future of Dunmore East Harbour," he said.

"That means engaging with local fishers, harbour users, tourism interests, businesses and the wider community, and delivering the capital investment needed for a modern harbour with proper permanent cruise berthing infrastructure," he added.

“Waterford has the ambition. Dunmore East has the potential. What is missing is Government commitment.”