The Potential for Growing Marine Leisure

A Study Establishing the Scope & Opportunities for Expansion on the East Coast of Ireland

Irish Sea Marine Sector Marketing & Business Development Programme

The Potential for Growing Marine Leisure

A Study Establishing the Scope & Opportunities for Expansion on the East Coast of Ireland

Irish Sea Marine Sector Marketing & Business Development Programme

An Interreg 111A project 2005-2007

Edited by Eoin ODriscoll Written by Judith A Annett, Countryside Consultancy; David MacNulty, Tourism Development International and Eoin O Driscoll, Drima Marketing 1st edition Published November 2007

Chairmans Introduction

The Irish Marine Federation, on behalf of all the partners of the Irish Sea Marine Sector Marketing & Business Development Programme, welcomes this important study. For the first time, in one document, we have all the necessary empiric data on which to base a sustainable development plan for the marine leisure sector. The study shows that the sector is underdeveloped and recognises the enormous growth potential for marine leisure. This is an important study which will provide assistance to Government departments, local authorities, sports associations, investors and the general public to formulate their development plans. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the study and the authors for their excellent work.

Brian OSullivan Chairman Irish Marine Federation

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Page II

Index
Chairmans Introduction............................................................................................................i 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 Irish Sea Marine Leisure Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction .....................................................................................................................1 Joint Aims and Objectives ...............................................................................................2 The 4 Strategic Pillars of the Programme ........................................................................3

1.3.1 Development of a Marine Industry Strategy ....................................................................................3 1.3.2 Business Development....................................................................................................................3 1.3.3 Marketing & Promotion ....................................................................................................................3 1.3.4 Capability Building & Skills Enhancement.......................................................................................3

1.4

Development of an Irish Sea Industry Strategy and Business Plan .................................4

1.4.1 Joint Activity.....................................................................................................................................4 1.4.2 Activity to be Undertaken in Ireland.................................................................................................4

1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6

The International Market for Marine Leisure ....................................................................5 Socio-Economic Value of Marinas...................................................................................6 Access to the Sea ...........................................................................................................7 Marine Industry Clusters..................................................................................................7 Marine Leisure Opportunities for Ireland..........................................................................7 Boat Registration.........................................................................................................8 ISMS Project Overview ...............................................................................................10 Executive Summary ......................................................................................................10 ISMS Study An Introduction .......................................................................................12 Terms of Reference.......................................................................................................13 Methodology..................................................................................................................13 Thanks ..........................................................................................................................13 Desk Research ............................................................................................................14 The Economic Value of the Irish Marine Leisure Sector ................................................14 Marine Tourism Economic Impacts ............................................................................14 Boat Building ................................................................................................................16 Other Marine Services ..................................................................................................16 Expenditure on other Marine Services within the ISMS Survey Region .........................18 Existing Marine Infrastructure........................................................................................18
,

3.6.1 A Changing Fishing Sector ..........................................................................................................18 3.6.2 Small Ports & Harbours (SPH) .....................................................................................................19 3.6.3 Marinas Value Added ................................................................................................................19

3.7

Marina Development .....................................................................................................20

3.7.1 Socio-Economic Value of Marinas - Access to the Sea ...............................................................22 3.7.2 Proposed Marina Developments ...................................................................................................23

3.8 3.9

Challenges Facing the Irish Marine Leisure Sector , .....................................................24 Demand for Marine Leisure ...........................................................................................24
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3.9.1 World Markets for Marine Leisure ................................................................................................ 24 3.9.2 World Boat Sales ......................................................................................................................... 25 3.9.3 The European Marine Leisure Sector An Overview ................................................................. 25 3.9.4 Boat Ownership - An EU Comparison ......................................................................................... 26 3.9.5 Boat Ownership in Ireland ............................................................................................................ 33 3.9.6 Demand for Marine Recreation in Ireland..................................................................................... 34 3.9.7 Participation in the Irish Marine Leisure Sector (1996 2003)..................................................... 34 3.9.8 Sector Potential............................................................................................................................. 36

3.10 3.11 3.12

3.12.1 3.12.2 3.12.3 3.12.4 3.12.5

Marine Tourism Development Constraints , ............................................................ 39 Future Development ................................................................................................. 40 The Policy and Development Context for Marine Leisure ......................................... 41
Government Departments..................................................................................................... 41 The Foreshore Act (1933) ................................................................................................... 43 Other Key Agencies The Marine Institute ........................................................................ 44 Other Key Agencies The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) ................................................... 45 Other Key Agencies Tourism Support Agencies .............................................................. 45

3.13 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10
4.10.1

A National Development Strategy for Marine and Water-based Tourism and Leisure47 An Audit of Marine Leisure Facilities on the East & South East Coast of Ireland.. 48 Angling.......................................................................................................................... 48 Beaches........................................................................................................................ 49 Blue Flag Beaches ....................................................................................................... 49 Coastal Erosion ............................................................................................................ 51 Coastal Walking............................................................................................................ 51 Diving............................................................................................................................ 55 Kite Surfing ................................................................................................................... 55 Lifeboat Cover .............................................................................................................. 56 Marinas ..................................................................................................................... 57
New Marina Developments................................................................................................... 58

4.6 Coastguard ....................................................................................................................... 54

4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 5 5.1 5.2

Nature Reserves ....................................................................................................... 60 Ports and Harbours Waste Management ............................................................... 61 Proposed New Developments................................................................................... 64 Sailing ....................................................................................................................... 65 Water Quality ............................................................................................................ 66 Wastewater Treatment: Investment Yields a Return ................................................. 67 Windsurfing............................................................................................................... 68 Economic Impacts of Marinas in the East and South East of Ireland ..................... 69 Case Study Overview ................................................................................................... 69 Case Study One - Dn Laoghaire Marina .................................................................... 70

5.2.1 Marina Overview ........................................................................................................................... 70

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5.2.2 Marina Businesses at Dn Laoghaire ...........................................................................................71 5.2.3 Berth Holder Expenditure at Dn Laoghaire Marina .....................................................................72 5.2.4 Catchment Area of the Dn Laoghaire Marina..............................................................................73 5.2.5 Boat Sales at Dn Laoghaire.........................................................................................................73 5.2.6 The Value of Marina Visitors at Dn Laoghaire.............................................................................74 5.2.7 The Effect of the Dn Laoghaire Marina on Local Businesses .....................................................75 5.2.8 Improving the Marine Leisure Product at Dn Laoghaire..............................................................77 5.2.9 Social Benefits of the Marina at Dn Laoghaire ............................................................................77 5.2.10 Summary of the Benefits of the Dn Laoghaire Marina .......................................................78

5.3

Case Study Two Malahide Marina .............................................................................79

5.3.1 Marina Overview............................................................................................................................79 5.3.2 Marina Businesses at Malahide ....................................................................................................80 5.3.3 Berth Holder Expenditure at Malahide ..........................................................................................81 5.3.4 Catchment Area of the Malahide Marina.......................................................................................82 5.3.5 Boat Sales at Malahide..................................................................................................................82 5.3.6 The Value of Marina Visitors at Malahide Marina .........................................................................83 5.3.7 The Effect of the Malahide Marina on Local Businesses ..............................................................83 5.3.8 Improving the Marine Leisure Product at Malahide.......................................................................86 5.3.9 Social Benefits of the Marina at Malahide .....................................................................................86 5.3.10 Summary of the Benefits of the Malahide Marina .................................................................87

5.4

Case Study Three Kilmore Quay Marina ...................................................................88

5.4.1 Marina Overview............................................................................................................................88 5.4.2 Marina Businesses at Kilmore Quay .............................................................................................89 5.4.3 Berth Holder Expenditure at Kilmore Quay ...................................................................................90 5.4.4 Catchment Area of the Kilmore Quay Marina................................................................................90 5.4.5 Boat Sales at Kilmore Quay ..........................................................................................................91 5.4.6 The Value of Marina Visitors at Kilmore Quay Marina ..................................................................91 5.4.7 The Effect of the Kilmore Quay Marina on Local Businesses .......................................................92 5.4.8 Improving the Marine Leisure Product at Kilmore Quay ...............................................................92 5.4.9 Social Benefits of the Marina at Kilmore Quay..............................................................................93 5.4.10 Summary of the Benefits of the Kilmore Quay Marina .........................................................93

5.5 5.6

The Impact of Marinas on the Regional Economy .........................................................94 The Economic Impact of Marinas on the East & South East Coast of Ireland ................97

5.6.1 Berth Holder Expenditure ..............................................................................................................97 5.6.2 Boat Sales .....................................................................................................................................98 5.6.3 VAT & Rates ..................................................................................................................................99

6 6.1 6.3

Population & Tourism within the ISMS Survey Region ..........................................100 The Irish Population and Workforce ............................................................................100 Marine Leisure & Irish Tourism Markets ......................................................................103

6.2 Tourist / Visitor Data for the Republic of Ireland (2006) ..................................................102
6.3.1 Angling Tourism ..........................................................................................................................103 6.3.2 Sailing Tourism ............................................................................................................................104 Page V

6.3.3 Inland Cruising ........................................................................................................................... 105 6.3.4 Coastal Walks ............................................................................................................................. 105 6.3.5 Other Products ............................................................................................................................ 105 6.3.6. Beach Management ............................................................................................................ 105

6.4 6.5 7 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4

Access to the Sea within the ISMS Survey Region ..................................................... 106 Ports of Safety / Refuge within the ISMS Survey Region ............................................ 107 Issues in the Development of the Irish Marine Leisure Sector .............................. 110 Developing the Irish Marine Leisure Industry A Stable Framework for Investment ... 110 Encouraging Access to Watersports for All ................................................................. 111 Keeping up with Trends in Marine Leisure Activity .................................................. 111 Improving Water Quality and Enhancing and Zoning Beaches................................ 112

6.5.1 Improving Ports & Harbours for Marine Leisure within the ISMS Survey Region ...................... 108

7.5 Engagement of Local Authorities in Regional Planning and in the Delivery of Marine Leisure 112 7.6 8 The Undeveloped Coastline in Marine Leisure............................................................ 112 A Framework for Marine Leisure Development in the ISMS Survey Region......... 113

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Appendices
Appendix A: Audit Backup...................................................................................................115 Appendix A1: Audit Overview Fingal to Waterford...........................................................115
Appendix A1.1: Map of ISMS Survey Region .......................................................................................116

Appendix A2: Detailed Audit Fingal to Waterford................................................................117 Appendix A3: Boat Survey for the ISMS Survey Region........................................................125
Appendix A3.1 Boats Kept at Sea within the ISMS Survey Region......................................................125 Appendix A3.2 Boats Kept on Inland Waterways within the ISMS Survey Region ..............................129 Appendix A.3.3 Boats Kept at Home within the ISMS Survey Region..................................................129 Appendix A.3.4 Total Number of Boats Kept within the ISMS Survey Region ................................130

Appendix A4: Existing Cruising / Sailing Infrastructure within the ISMS Survey Region .......131 Appendix B: References......................................................................................................135 Appendix C: Web Links........................................................................................................139 Appendix D: Criteria for Blue Flag Beaches ......................................................................142

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Index of Tables
Table 1: The Economic Contribution of the Irish Marine Leisure Sector (2003)....................... 14 Table 2: Domestic Participation in the Irish Marine Leisure Sector (2003) .............................. 14 Table 3: The Value of the Irish Marine Leisure Sector (2003) ................................................. 15 Table 4: Value Added and Employment in the Irish Commercial Marine Sectors (2003)......... 17 Table 5: Expenditure on other Marine Services within the ISMS Survey Region..................... 18 Table 6: Proposed Marina Developments in the ISMS Survey Region.................................... 23 Table 7: A Comparison of Boat Ownership and Marina Berths by EU County......................... 26 Table 8: Output of the UK Marine Leisure Sector (2004) ........................................................ 32 Table 9: A Comparison of Boat Ownership by Capita by Country ........................................... 33 Table 10: Changes in Participation Rates in Marine Leisure in Ireland (1996 2003)............. 35 Table 11: Boat Origin of Sailors Interviewed in June September 2006................................. 38 Table 12: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Irish Sailing Sector as Viewed by Holiday Sailors ............................................................................................................................................... 38 Table 13: Participation in Angling in Ireland (2003)................................................................. 48 Table 14: Blue Flag Beaches within the ISMS Survey Region ............................................... 50 Table 15: Kite surfing locations within the ISMS Survey Region ............................................. 55 Table 16: Lifeboat Cover within the ISMS Survey Region....................................................... 56 Table 17: The Capacity of the Marinas within the ISMS Survey Region.................................. 57 Table 18: Port Waste Management Status (2001) .................................................................. 61 Table 19: Sailing Courses provided by the ISA (2004)............................................................ 65 Table 20: Beaches not Meeting the National Standard for Faecal Streptococci ...................... 66 Table 21: Seawater Bathing Areas which Failed Guide and / or Mandatory EU directive limit values (2004).......................................................................................................................... 67 Table 22: Windsurfing Locations within the ISMS Survey Region ........................................... 68 Table 23: Businesses Associated with the Dn Laoghaire Marina ......................................... 71 Table 24: Estimated Berth Holder Expenditure at the Dn Laoghaire Marina ......................... 72 Table 25: Catchment Area for the Dn Laoghaire Marina ....................................................... 73 Table 26: A Breakdown of Boat Sales in the Dn Laoghaire Marina (2004)............................ 73 Table 27: Estimated Visitor Spend at the Dn Laoghaire Marina (2004) ................................. 74 Table 28: Types of Businesses Surveyed in Dn Laoghaire ................................................... 75 Table 29: The Effect of the Dn Laoghaire Marina on Local Businesses ................................ 76 Table 30: Businesses Associated with the Malahide Marina ................................................... 80 Table 31: A Breakdown of Berth Holder Expenditure at the Malahide Marina (2004) .............. 81 Table 32: Estimated Annual Boat Sales at the Malahide Marina ............................................. 82 Table 33: Estimated Visitor Spend at the Malahide Marina (2004).......................................... 83 Table 34: The Breakdown of Businesses Surveyed at Malahide............................................. 83 Table 35: The Effect of the Malahide Marina on Local Businesses ......................................... 85 Table 36: Businesses Associated with the Marina at Kilmore Quay ........................................ 89 Table 37: A Breakdown of Berth Holder Expenditure at the Kilmore Quay Marina (2004)....... 90
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Table 38: Estimated Annual Boat Sales at the Kilmore Quay Marina ......................................91 Table 39: Estimated Visitor Spend at the Kilmore Quay Marina (2004) ...................................91 Table 40: Breakdown of Businesses Surveyed at Kilmore Quay .............................................92 Table 41: A Breakdown of Expenditure by Marina Berth Holders at the Case Study Marinas..95 Table 42: The Destination of Berth Holder Expenditure at the Case Study Marinas ................95 Table 43: The Estimated Economic Benefits (excluding boat sales) of the Case Study Marinas ...............................................................................................................................................96 Table 44: The Value of Existing Berth Holder Expenditure in the ISMS Survey Region...........97 Table 45: The Value of Existing & New Berth Holder Expenditure in the ISMS Survey Region ...............................................................................................................................................98 Table 46: Estimated Annual Boat Sales at Marinas within the ISMS Survey Region ...............98 Table 47: The Irish Population (2006) ...................................................................................100 Table 48: The Irish Population within the ISMS Survey Region (2006)..................................100 Table 49: The Irish Population within the Core ISMS Survey Region (2006) .........................100 Table 50: The Irish Population within the Fringe ISMS Survey Region (2006).......................101 Table 51: Projected Growth of the Irish Population to 2030...................................................101 Table 52: A Breakdown of the Irish Working Population by Employment Type (2002)...........101 Table 53: Tourist / Visitor Data for the Republic of Ireland (2006) .........................................102 Table 54: Average Bed Nights Spent in Ireland by Tourist Route Type (2004) ......................103 Table 55: Population by access point by distance within the ISMS Survey Region (2006) ....106 Table 56: Distances between ports of safety / refuge within the ISMS Survey Region ..........107 Table 57: Ports and harbours in need of improvement within the Irish Sea Marine Sector Survey Region ......................................................................................................................108 Table 58: Boats kept at sea or close to the sea within the ISMS Study Region .....................125 Table 59: Boats under six metres in length kept at sea or close to the sea within the ISMS Study Region ........................................................................................................................128 Table 60: Boats kept on inland waterways within the ISMS Survey Region...........................129 Table 61: An estimation of the number of boats kept at home within the ISMS Survey Region .............................................................................................................................................129 Table 62: Estimated population & the number of households within the ISMS Survey Region .............................................................................................................................................130 Table 63: An estimation of the numbers of boats kept at sea, on inland waterways and at home within the ISMS survey region...............................................................................................130

Index of Figures
Figure 1: Marina Development Flow Chart ..............................................................................21

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1
1.1

Irish Sea Marine Leisure Study

Introduction

The Irish Sea Marine Sector: Marketing and Business Development Programme, is an Interreg IIIA, Ireland/Wales initiative of the European Union.

The partners in this programme are:

Ireland: Dn Laoghaire Harbour Company 1. Dn Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board 2. Irish Marine Federation 3. (Lead Partner) Irish Sailing Association 4. The Marine Institute 5. Wales: Conwy County Borough Council 6. Denbighshire County Council 7. Gwynedd County Council 8. North Wales Watersports Limited 9. Ynys Mn County Council 10.

1 2

www.dlharbour.ie www.dlrceb.ie 3 www.irishmarinefederation.com 4 www.sailing.ie 5 www.marine.ie 6 www.conwy.gov.uk 7 www.denbighshire.gov.uk 8 www.gwynedd.gov.uk 9 www.northwaleswatersports.com 10 www.anglesey.gov.uk

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1.2

Joint Aims and Objectives

The joint aims and objectives of the programme are given below: The marine leisure market is one of the fastest growing international markets offering high value, innovative products and services, driven by the all year round popularity of water sports and increased consumer affluence. Whilst both the Irish and Welsh sectors have individually developed in recent years the Irish Sea market has competed relatively poorly with other areas such as the English Channel, Scotland and the Mediterranean Sea. This project represents the first phase of a major joint initiative to develop the Irish Sea into a leading European marine leisure market underpinned by collaboration in joint marketing, joint product development and joint training to achieve a rapidly developing infrastructure of facilities, services, skills and innovative businesses across both side of the Irish Sea. The Irish Marine Federation, a trade association affiliated to IBEC and North Wales Watersports, a trade development association affiliated to the British Marine Federation, have agreed to co-operate to develop the marine leisure industry on both sides of the Irish Sea. The Welsh marine leisure sector is currently experiencing growth through the development of marine facilities. Growth in the Irish Marine sector has not kept pace with international trends and the ratio of people to boats in Ireland is the highest in Europe. Through the joint objectives and the strategic programme as described in the Interreg implementation plan both organisations and their partners wish to collaborate to collectively grow the marine leisure sector in a planned way that exploits their respective strengths and begins to exploit the full potential for creating an inter-regional Irish Sea marine market for the first time. The project will become the focal point for all future strategic planning in the sector working with agencies, Government and local authorities, leading to a long term Irish Sea Marine Industries Strategy. At all stages it will be essential to build awareness of the socio-economic benefits of marine leisure activities to the community and encourage their full participation as employees, entrepreneurs and water sports enthusiasts and competitors. To deliver these objectives four strategic pillars were developed to provide the stimulation necessary to drive development in the sector. Within the four strategic pillars are series of 21 separate actions, each providing linkages to other actions within the programme.

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1.3

The 4 Strategic Pillars of the Programme

The four strategic pillars of the Irish Sea Marine Sector programme are outlined below. 1.3.1 Development of a Marine Industry Strategy

Undertake research to establish the scope and opportunities for expansion and identify impediments to growth both in terms of business infrastructure, planning and investment. 1.3.2 Business Development

Develop a network of marine companies within both coastal zones and establish sustainable business links between the participants leading to business expansion in terms of increased employment, turnover, and the development of new businesses, products and services. This will involve shared intelligence, research and the stimulation of strategic alliances and adoption of best business practise. The programme will encourage and assist companies with training and awareness in e-business development in the area of retail chandlery and boat sales. 1.3.3 Marketing & Promotion

Create and develop branded services and resources to generate increased activity for the joint coastal zone. Market and promote increased marine leisure activity by County in accordance with the marine industry strategy. The joint web site will be used to promote the activities of the Interreg programme and will be used as a communication tool for the participants in the programme and for the general public as part of the awareness building strategy. 1.3.4 Capability Building & Skills Enhancement

Identify the training needs for the marine leisure industry and produce professional career paths for the marine sector. Develop management and vocational training for the sector. Implement best practise in environmental issues for the marine industry.

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1.4

Development of an Irish Sea Industry Strategy and Business Plan

Of the 21 actions mentioned on the previous page, the most important action is the development of an Irish Sea Industry Strategy and Business Plan. The publication of the Irish Sea Marine Leisure Study closes a lacuna in the knowledge that has seriously impeded the development of this sector and for the first time provides the necessary statistical data required for making sound economic decisions relating to the provision of marine leisure infrastructure. The study provides the necessary statistical data and spatial planning necessary for formulating the following joint activity between Ireland and Wales: 1.4.1 Joint Activity

Building upon the in-depth research and planning in the East Coast Zone of Ireland, together with the research and expanded infrastructure audits in North West Wales, a joint Irish Sea Strategy and Business Plan will be developed. The results of the audits and the spatial plans will be presented at a joint conference to be held for all the stake holders in the marine leisure sector, both private sector and public sector on both sides of the Irish Sea. The joint Irish Sea strategy and business plan will form the basis for long term public and private sector investment projects. 1.4.2 Activity to be Undertaken in Ireland

A study of the East Coast Zone will be conducted to establish the scope and opportunities for expansion in the sector by undertaking an audit of all relevant existing facilities, enterprises and training establishments that currently exist on the East coast of Ireland. A spatial plan will be developed for the East Coast Zone that will identify suitable areas and locations for development. . The socio economic impact of the stimulation and incubation of marine leisure infrastructure will be estimated. The plan will provide an estimate for possible growth in the business sector through developments that will redress the infrastructural deficit that currently exists in Ireland. The study will identify development constraints in the following areas: Regulation, Planning, Industry / Enterprise and Investment.

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1.4.2.1

East Coast Marine Leisure Study

The study of the East Coast Zone is made up in three parts, an Audit of the current facilities from the Boyne to the Blackwater, a Socio-Economic Study of the impact of marinas and a Spatial Plan for the East coast zone based on the potential for development in this sector. The study provides for the first time the statistical and economic data required to formulate a co-ordinated development plan for the marine leisure sector on the east coast of Ireland. The study combines the results of a number of existing studies such as waste management, water quality, areas of special conservation together with those dealing directly with marine leisure activities and provides a complete audit of the present facilities. The study shows that while some development has taken place there is still enormous development potential which has yet to realised within the coastal zone. Developments, which if undertaken in a sustainable and planned way, could provide growth in marine leisure sector through better access to the sea. The socio-economic benefits of a coordinated development plan will provide not only sustainable jobs in rural communities, improve marine leisure tourism access but also provide local community groups with better access to the sea through the provision of water sports for all.

1.5

The International Market for Marine Leisure

The global market for marine leisure is put at 928 (2005) billion per annum with a predicted growth of 14% over the period 2005 to 2007. Marine Tourism is the second biggest sector after shipping and transport. The sector is significantly larger than the fishing industry valued globally at 250 billion per annum (2005) 11. The Irish market for marine leisure is put at 680 million per annum. This is made up of the water-based tourism (566 million and elements of other marine services such as boat sales, chandlery etc. which accounts for a further 121 million per annum). Overall this sector supports in excess of 3,200 jobs. These figures are based on the Marine Institutes Irelands Ocean Economy & Resources (December 2005) 12. The figures quoted for the marine industry are based on the 2005 Irish Marine Federation Business survey which put the annual boat sales in Ireland at 30 million. The latest 2006 survey of boat sales in Ireland by the Irish Marine Federation estimates the sale of new boats in Ireland to be in excess of 70 million per annum.

11 12

Douglas Westwood Ltd. for the Marine Institute marine.ie/NR/rdonlyres/624F8874-00A7-40E6-922A-779D353F1745/0/MIOceanEconomyLOW.pdf

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1.6

Socio-Economic Value of Marinas

The perception that boating is an exclusive pastime has long been fostered by images of exclusive yacht clubs. Most of these clubs in times past managed swinging moorings which whilst taking large amounts of ground space restricted the number of boats that could be accommodated. However, the vast majority of sailing, diving and sea angling clubs located in the survey zone are locally run and are seen as part of the local community providing a social service and a sporting outlet for participants of all ages and social class. Marinas provide access to the sea at all states of the tide and also provide efficient use of valuable ground space. The advent of the large marinas in Dn Laoghaire and Malahide provide berths for boat owners who are not necessarily members of the yacht clubs, therefore giving access to the sea for everyone who can afford a marina berth. The perception that boating is an exclusive undertaking is also challenged as the majority of boats based on the marinas are in fact affordable boats. Already the number of berths available for small boats in the recently extended Dn Laoghaire marina has been filled and a new waiting list is in place. Boats under six metres in length form the majority of boats in most Irish marinas (see appendix A3). The Irish boat park is old by international standards with the majority of craft being in the range of 15 to 20 years old. The other significant change is the continual price reduction in the cost of new boats. The cost of a new 30 ft. sail boat is now under 90,000. This compares favourably with the cost of a luxury car at the lower end of the luxury car market sector. The fact is that most boats on marinas are smaller craft and are valued at significantly less than 40,000. It is possible to buy a new 18 ft. to 20ft. boat complete with an outboard engine for less than 20,000. Marinas provide safe and easy access to the sea for everyone regardless of their social standing or inherent wealth. Boat owners who have invested in a new boat do not want to have it swinging off 20 of chain with access only gained after having rowed out to the vessel. Marinas provide a valuable resource to enable groups who traditionally could not have participated in water sports activities by providing access to the sea for diving clubs, sailing clubs and disabled sailors and also for tourism business such as the Sea Thrill RIB rides, deep sea angling, whale watching and other aspects of a developing eco tourism industry.

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1.7

Access to the Sea

Marine leisure is not only about marinas but is also about effective beach management and the provision of public slips and other launching sites. Much can be done to facilitate sea kayaking, sea angling, kite surfing and wind surfing. Many of these pastimes/pursuits have low barriers to entry and with simple safe parking and easy access to beaches they can be easily managed. Local authorities should see access to the sea as an extension to their public parks and as a valuable public asset.

1.8

Marine Industry Clusters

The development of subsidiary businesses attached to marinas is important to the sustainability of the business. It is estimated by the Yacht Harbours Association 13 that the smallest stand alone marina must have in excess of 200 berths to make it economically viable if it has no ancillary businesses located on the same location. Small marinas need ancillary businesses to support the running costs associated with any business. Dingle Marina 14 would be a good example of a marine cluster operating from the marina building, sailing school, diving school, ferry boat operator, caf and chandlery shop. Other support businesses include boat yards, boat and engine repair, boat sales. Malahide Marina supports three main dealers in boat sales, a shared facility boat repair shed, several boat maintenance companies and a chandlery shop.

1.9

Marine Leisure Opportunities for Ireland

A recent survey of all UK coastal marinas by the promoters of the Courtmacsherry Marina has indicated that: Marina berth costs are considerably lower in Ireland than in some parts of the UK in particular the Channel coast. Continental marinas charge up to 30% less than their UK counterparts. This more competitive situation has been achieved by economy of scale and also by the differences in Foreshore Lease / Licence. A survey conducted in North Wales by the Welsh Development Agency (Catching the Wave 15) indicated that over 60% of the boats berthed at marinas in Wales had owners located outside of the Principality. Ownership was spread as far as Newcastle in the North to Essex in the East.

13 14

www.yachtharbourassociation.com www.dinglemarina.com 15 www.industry.visitwales.co.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.383

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Scotland has begun to build up a significant business in marine leisure tourism through the relocation of boats from the South of England. Driven North by over crowded waterways and by expensive marinas, boat owners have located their boats on the Clyde marinas close to Glasgow and to Prestwick Airports. This influx of foreign owned boats has led to an expansion of Scotlands marine leisure industry. With the advent of cheap airfares and regional airports in Ireland it would be possible for UK based boat owners to keep their boats in Ireland at a more competitive rate and thereby contribute to inward tourism. By far the most profitable marine leisure tourists that we have are our own indigenous ones, as per the Filte Ireland sailing survey 16. This sector has the potential to grow significantly if the correct development strategy can be put in place. What is needed is a necklace of safe harbours and marinas around our coasts which should be no more than one days cruising apart.

1.10

Boat Registration

Boat registration exists in almost every European country, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and almost all countries with a developed economy. Waterways Ireland maintains a boat registration scheme on the inland waterways. Without accurate statistics it is almost impossible to predict market size, future demand and development potential. This study sets out to provide accurate statistics in terms of boat ownership within the East coast zone. The estimate for of boat ownership ratio in Ireland has been put at 1 boat for every 172 people, which puts the Irish boat ownership ratio as one of the lowest in Europe which is surprising given that we are an island nation. The European average ratio is 1: 46 people. The UK average is 1:100. To bring the Irish boat ownership ratio to the UK average would increase Irish boat ownership by over 40%. This study has shown that the population within the ISMS survey region is 1,553,080 people 17. The number of actual boats kept at maritime locations within the zone is 3,750 18. The population share of the 7,000 registered boats on the Shannon is 1,700. The estimate of boats kept at home is based on a survey of 871 households conducted by Drima Marketing across two different locations within the ISMS Survey Region. This was multiplied by the number of households in the survey zone as per census data provided by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) 19. This gives a total figure of boats in the zone of 9,860 making a boat ownership ratio of 1 boat: 158 persons (see appendix A.3.4.). As can be seen from the above and the data collect and contained within this study there is potential for sustainable marine leisure tourism development in a number of locations around the East Coast Zone. The locations selected for development is in line

16 17

Franklin Market Research / Filte Ireland Sailing Study (2006) Census data was taken from the 2006 Census data as published on the CSO website www.cso.ie 18 Source: Toms Ochman as detailed in Appendix A3 19 2006 Census data as provided by the Central Statistics Office www.cso.ie

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with the national strategy for development as outlined in the Marine Institutes plans and also the Tourism National Development Plan. The development sites selected under the spatial plan are all existing facilities with existing marine leisure users who would provide the nucleolus of any development making any economic risk minimal. New marinas will not displace existing business but rather provide new destinations for marine leisure tourism. If the investments are made as contained in this plan it will start to build the necklace of marinas as first envisaged in the 2000 National Development Plan. However, before any real investment can take place, there is a need to reform the planning process with particular reference to the Foreshore Act (1933). Without the necessary reform of this Act and the associated valuations process that accompanies it, developments will be slow and eventual economically unviable due to the high levels of the valuations given in return for foreshore leases and licenses. The ISMS study will provide valuable information on which to base assessments for any future marine leisure developments.

The sea is an amenity that belongs to us all and improved access to the sea benefits all socio-economic classes.

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2
2.1

ISMS Project Overview

Executive Summary

Through investigation, the Irish Sea Marine Sector Study has identified the impediments to growth in the marine leisure sector. The study has also show significant scope for development in the sector. These findings are summarised below.
In 2003, the marine leisure sector contributed 707 million to the Irish economy. It is estimated that almost 1.5 million adults in Ireland (49% of the Irish population) partake in some form of water-based activity 20. Adult participation in water sports in 2003 is estimated to have contributed 434 million in expenditure and to have accounted for almost 45% of total domestic tourism revenue. A study undertaken by the Marine Institute shows that investment in improved facilities would increase participation levels in the marine leisure sector 21. A Filte Ireland study shows that the Irish marine sector has not yet exploited its full potential 22. In its strategy statement (2001 2003), the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources states that the the marine tourism and leisure sector, while dynamic and largely market driven, has considerable scope for further development 23 . Boat ownership in Ireland remains low by international standards. The number of marina berths in Ireland is low by comparison with other European Union countries In 1999, Ireland's Marine Institute stated that the tourism potential of Ireland's marine environment is largely underexploited and that it sees major opportunities for development 24. The Irish Marine Federation forecasts that the marine leisure sector in Ireland could grow by 30% between 2005 to 2008. There is a need to promote the opportunities arising from marine recreation as a stimulus to promote the rejuvenation of Small Ports and Harbours (SPH). In future, where possible, an integrated approach to infrastructure development should be taken to maximise return on investment in infrastructure and facilities 25.

20 21

A National Survey of Water-based Leisure Activities in Ireland for the Marine Institute; ESRI (2003) A National Survey of Water Based Leisure Activities in Ireland (2003) 22 Filte Ireland Tourism Product Development Strategy 2007 -2013 23 www.iczm.ucc.ie/documents/administrative_structures/national/DCMNR_Strategy_Statement_2001_20 03.pdf 24 http://www.cruising.org.uk/boat-ind-arc1.htm 25 A Development Strategy for Marine Leisure Infrastructure The Marine Institute

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The development by Wexford County Council of the marina at Kilmore Quay, County Wexford shows that the fishing and the marine leisure sectors can be developed in tandem. In 2006, visiting sailors surveyed on behalf of Filte Ireland had a low satisfaction with the marine facilities on offer in Irish ports. They cite marina and berthing capacity as their biggest concern. Two of the three marinas surveyed for this study are full and have waiting lists. From the perspective of the marine leisure sector, a key concern is the length of time taken to realise a marina project from the initial concept through construction to the letting of the first marina berth. Expenditure by marina berth holders in the ISMS survey region contributes an economic benefit to the region of 20.78 million. This expenditure supports 416 full time (FTE) jobs. A marina survey undertaken for the ISMS shows that the total annual benefit (excluding boat sales) of berth holder spending in three case study 26 marinas is 11.8 million per annum. This supports 237 full time (FTE) jobs 27. There is a need for a strategic investment policy to develop appropriate infrastructure in marine leisure sectors / products where market research indicates the existence of good market opportunities. This strategic approach should take cognisance of the environmental qualities of parts of the Irish coastline and support sustainable marine leisure development within certain recognised zones or clusters. To achieve this, the Foreshore Act (1933) is in need of urgent review The application process stipulated by the Act is anarchic. There is a lack of transparency in the application process. There is a slow response time to correspondence. There is no fixed time frame for giving an outcome of the application. There is no appeal process. There is no proper public consultation process. There are unacceptable delays in securing valuations. The State Valuation Office is unrealistic in its valuation of the sea bed. Current rates are 19,500 per acre per annum for sea bed applications. Applications are taking up to ten years to process. A 35 year lease is an unrealistic time frame for potential investors Investor expenditure is considerable before preliminary discussions can be reached. This expenditure includes design and environmental impact costs In 2007, responsibility for coastal zone management of the Foreshore Act (1933) 28 has been passed to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The County Councils surveyed for this report would welcome the development of a marine spatial plan for the East and South East coast that enhances specialisation

26 27

Dn Laoghaire, Malahide and Kilmore Quay marinas TDI Survey Data 28 www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZA12Y1933.html

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and fills gaps in services rather than promoting competition between Councils for facilities. From a tourism perspective, the marine sector has not yet fully exploited its full potential 29. Opportunities exist to develop clusters of marine leisure activities utilising and rejuvenating existing infrastructure in ports and harbours through waterfront developments. Specialist niche opportunities exist for salmon angling, fly to sail holidays and water sports linked to seaside resorts 30. However, at present 31, no Government Department has responsibility for the development of marine leisure. Moreover, since June 2007, the Marine Institute no longer has a role in the development of marine leisure.

2.2

ISMS Study An Introduction

In the Autumn of 2005, the Irish Sea Marine Sector 32 (ISMS) commissioned Drima Marketing 33 and Tourism Development International 34 / Countryside Consultancy 35 to undertake the ISMS Study. This examines the social and economic impacts of the marine leisure sector on the East Coast of Ireland 36. The potential of the sector, the development constraints affecting it and a proposed spatial strategy for the development of the sector are outlined. Some of the questions posed by the ISMS study are What is the current economic value of the Irish marine leisure sector? What is the development potential for the Irish marine leisure sector? What development constraints restrict the development of the Irish marine leisure sector? How can we best stimulate the Irish marine leisure sector? How should we best use our ports and harbours? How can the Irish marine sector better market its goods and services?

Filte Ireland Tourism Product Development Strategy (2007 -2013) www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy 31 i.e. as of November 2007 32 www.isms.ie 33 www.drima.com 34 www.tourismdev.com 35 www.countryside-consultancy.co.uk 36 The ISMS survey region runs from North County Dublin to County Waterford. It includes the Counties of Dublin Fingal, Dublin City, Dn Laoghaire Rathdown, Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford. A map of this area is shown in Appendix A1.1
30

29

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2.3

Terms of Reference

The terms of reference for the ISMS study were as follows Undertake desk research on the marine leisure sector in Ireland. Produce an audit detailing existing marine leisure facilities on the East coast of Ireland. Estimate the socio-economic impact of existing marine leisure activities (on the East Coast of Ireland). Research the social and economic impacts of marina development (on the East coast of Ireland) by means of case study. Estimate the potential for growth for the Irish marine leisure sector. Identify development constraints restricting the growth of the marine leisure sector. Develop a spatial plan for the Irish marine leisure sector to identify areas suitable for the future development Produce a marketing / development plan for the Irish marine leisure sector to enable it to cost effectively market its product. For the purposes of this report, water based activities cover some eighteen activities including seaside and resort trips; all types of angling; coastal and inland boating and water sports.

2.4

Methodology

The ISMS study was undertaken as follows: A desk research study was undertaken by Drima Marketing. An audit of existing marine leisure facilities within the survey region was undertaken by Drima Marketing A socio economic review of the Irish marine leisure sector was undertaken by Tourism Development International (TDI) / Countryside Consultancy. SocioEconomic data was gathered by means of survey. A survey of boats on the East Coast of Ireland was undertaken by Toms Ochman. A spatial study was undertaken by Drima Marketing Initial findings of the ISMS Study were presented at the ISMS Conference held at the National Yacht Club, Dn Laoghaire, County Dublin on 25th November 2005.

2.5

Thanks

Many thanks to all the Sporting Associations, Marine Service Providers and Local Authorities who facilitated the writing of this Study.

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3
3.1

Desk Research
The Economic Value of the Irish Marine Leisure Sector

In 2003, the marine leisure sector contributed 707 million to the Irish economy as detailed below
Table 1: The Economic Contribution of the Irish Marine Leisure Sector (2003)

Sector Sector Value (2003) million Water Based Tourism (Domestic) 434 Water Based Tourism (Overseas) 132 Other Marine Services 121 Boat Building 20 Totals 707 Source: www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy

3.2

Marine Tourism Economic Impacts

In 2001, a study undertaken by the Marine Institute 37 found that the domestic market for marine tourism and leisure is worth around 380 million per annum while overseas visitors engaging in water based tourism and leisure activities spend a further 110 million per annum. In terms of economic value, water-based leisure activities in Ireland make a major contribution to domestic tourism revenue. In 2003, a report 38 produced by the Marine Institute indicated that marine leisure contributed 434 million in expenditure and accounted for almost 45% of our total domestic tourism revenue. The value of the sector is detailed below.
Table 2: Domestic Participation in the Irish Marine Leisure Sector (2003)

Sector

Participants Revenue Employment (000s) M Water based domestic market 1,475 433.6 5,100
Source: A National Survey of Water Based Leisure Activities in Ireland 2003; The Marine Institute.

Marine Recreation & the Process of Rejuvenation of Small Ports and Harbours; Edited by Anne Wilkinson, the Marine Institute (2001) 38 A National Survey of Water Based Leisure Activities in Ireland (2003); The Marine Institute.

37

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Overseas marine tourism adds a further 132 million, bringing the value of the Irish marine leisure sector (for 2003) to 566 million. The sector employs close to 8,200 people. This is detailed below.
Table 3: The Value of the Irish Marine Leisure Sector (2003)

Sector

Waterbased Tourism (Domestic) Waterbased Tourism (Overseas) Totals

Note: GNP: FTE:

Turnover Value added Direct (m) i.e. Direct Employment Contribution (FTEs) to GNP (m) 434 240 3,173

Direct & Indirect Contribution to GNP (m) 264

Direct & Indirect Employment (FTEs) 5,085

132

66

2,098

134

3,104

566
Gross National Product Full Time Employees

306

5,271

398

8,189

Source: Marine Institute / Peter Bacon & Associates (2004)

By 2006, Ireland's marine tourism industry was estimated to be worth 631 million 39. The Irish Marine Federation forecasts that the marine leisure sector in Ireland could grow by 30% between 2005 and 2008. However, a study by Filte Ireland 40 showed that Modern public facilities in Ireland and services for visitors, linked to best practice in beach management are not as high as the standards commonly seen abroad. The visitor marina network is incomplete, particularly along the West and North West coastline. There are no clear policies around planning and foreshore issues for marine tourism. There is a rather thin network of sailing, boating, watersports and dive centres. There are also very few marine or water themed visitor centres in key strategic locations. There are localised shortages of sea angling and small tourism vessels. Viewing points or vessels for whale and dolphin watching are poorly provided compared with our neighbouring competitors.

39 40

www.cil.ie/sh620x5796.html Filte Ireland Tourism Product Development Strategy (2007 -2013)

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3.3

Boat Building

41

Boat building is a 20 million industry in Ireland, employing almost 140 people in 2002. There are eighteen boat builders in Ireland, seven of which are based in County Cork.

3.4

Other Marine Services

42

In 2003, other marine service providers had a combined annual turnover of 121million and a combined employment of 800 people. The largest of these activities is boat sales, where seventeen companies generated annual sales of 41 million and employed more than 130 people. The marine services / products included in this category are: Boat repair Boat sales Ship repair Ship suppliers Chandlery Insurance (marine leisure) Cargo survey Marine environmental consultancy Marine construction /civil engineering Sail makers Helicopter services

41 42

www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy/ www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy/

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A study undertaken by the Marine Institute in 2003 estimated the following values for sectors of the marine leisure industry in Ireland.
Table 4: Value Added and Employment in the Irish Commercial Marine Sectors (2003)

Activity / Region

Boat & Engine Sales Chandlery Yacht & Boat Charter Marinas Dive Centres Insurance Sail Training Aquaria Sea Angling Publishing Total
Source: Marine Institute

Dublin S&E BMW Total Exports Employees million million million million million 23.4 14.6 2.9 40.9 4.3 131 14.3 0 5.3 1.8 3.1 1.6 0 0.02 0.3 49.9 7.4 0.8 3.1 3.1 2.0 2.1 1.7 1.0 0 35.9 1.1 9.3 2.4 1.5 1.5 0.9 1.0 0.8 0 21.4 22.8 10.1 10.8 6.4 6.6 4.6 2.7 1.8 0.3 107.2 1.7 1.6 0.5 0 0 0.2 0 0 0.05 8.4 70 168 83 59 25 156 32 89 4 817

Notes: S & E: South & East Region BMW: Border, Midlands & Western Region

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3.5

Expenditure on other Marine Services within the ISMS Survey Region

Eighty percent of Irish expenditure on other marine services is spent within the ISMS survey region as detailed below.
Table 5: Expenditure on other Marine Services within the ISMS Survey Region

Criteria / Region Dublin + South & East Expenditure on Other Marine Services million 85.8 Percentage spent within the survey region 80% Employees 635 Exports of other marine services 6.72 million
Source: Marine Institute

3.6
3.6.1

Existing Marine Infrastructure

A Changing Fishing Sector 43,44

The Irish fishing sector is currently undergoing significant change. In 2002, the Irish fishing fleet landed a fish catch worth 210 million. This was split as follows. 79 million of demersal fish (40,000 tonnes). 67 million of shellfish (32,000 tonnes). 64 million of pelagic fish (173,000 tonnes). This was the second most valuable year on record (2001 landings: 254 million). However, these figures mask a long-term decline in volumes. The 245,000 tonnes landed in 2002 was the lowest in a decade, and was considerably down from the 1998s all-time high of 320,000 tonnes. Ongoing conservation measures are likely to lead to further rationalisation of older whitefish vessels in the fleet. Fishing opportunities for the pelagic fleet are likely to remain volume restricted. Pelagic fleet renewal will take place within current fleet capacity constraints. Any further diversification from the whitefish fleet to pelagic fisheries will reduce fishing opportunities and profitability for the pelagic segment in addition to putting increased pressure on these stocks.

43 44

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resource; Statement of Strategy (2003 2005) www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy/

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3.6.2

Small Ports & Harbours (SPH) 45

Most small ports and harbours were originally developed to serve the fishing industry, to facilitate local trade or as landing places or places of refuge for local sea farers. Leisure, amenity and recreational uses may have been added over time. The factors driving change in SPHs include. Changes in European Union (EU) fisheries policy and quotas allied with technical changes in vessels and fishing techniques are a major driver of change in fishing harbours. Alternative marine enterprises can provide a replacement for displacement caused by changes in the fisheries sector. The search for new marine tourism projects and activities can be a force for the rejuvenation of SPHs. SPHs are public assets. A key question remains, given the changes happening within the Irish fishing sector, what use should be made of our Small Ports and Harbours? 3.6.3 Marinas Value Added 46

The Marine Institute has reported from studies that a typically small / medium-sized marina (50-80 berths) in a regional location can generate from 380,000 to 800,000 per annum and can support 20 to 30 full time equivalent jobs. However, it is important to highlight that marine recreational activity is not just about marinas. Fully fledged marinas represent the upper end of the facilities range. The development of a slipway or pontoon (alongside an existing quay in a SPH) can transform its usefulness in terms of marine recreation. Land based facilities such as club houses, toilet and shower facilities are equally in demand. The benefits to be derived from rejuvenation projects based on marine recreation include. More efficient use of redundant assets. Generation of revenue for the small ports and harbours and within their catchment areas. Attraction of investment, new business and additional visitors to the area. Retention of employment and the creation of new employment opportunities. In addition, depending on its location, a small marina can pay a crucial role in building a local tourism infrastructure.

Marine Recreation & the Process of Rejuvenation of Small Ports and Harbours; Edited by Anne Wilkinson, the Marine Institute (2001) 46 http://www.tourismreview.ie/submissions/prodniche/MarineInstitute.doc.pdf

45

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3.7

Marina Development

Most of the growth in the provision of marina berths has been achieved in the past ten years. However, the time taken to complete developments is extremely slow given the twin track approach of applying for planning and for a foreshore lease / licence 47. The development of a marina or berthing facility requires both planning permission from the local authority and a foreshore lease from the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources 48. Among the issues which must be addressed in developing a new marina are 49 Environment: Many marinas are located near vulnerable beach and dune systems, mudflat and saltmarsh habitats. Public Access: In some instances, construction of marinas limits public access to the foreshore Water Quality: Specific issues relating to marine craft and associated facilities include the impact of discharges of bilge water and toilet waste from boats and visible oil pollution within docks and marinas. Inadequate provision of waste repository facilities is also an issue. The series of reports which must be prepared, prior to the lodging of a planning application for a marina are detailed (in flow chart format) in figure 1 overleaf 50.

Marinas as an Economic Driver, Irish Marina Operators Association (2007) Guidelines for Planning a Marina Development; Marine Institute; (July 2001) 49 Assessment of Human Activity in the Coastal Zone, a Research Project Linking Ireland and Wales; Maritime Ireland /Wales Interreg Report No 9; (December 2001) 50 Guidelines for Planning a Marina Development; Marine Institute; (July 2001)
48

47

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Figure 1: Marina Development Flow Chart Concept scheme from planning Preliminary organisation Environmental impact brief | Consult Local Authority / 51 DoMNR | Prepare scoping document & submit to Local Authority / DoMNR Request for additional information Local Authority receive submission etc. | Local Authority / DoMNR provides formal comment | Developer briefs and appoints consultants and specialists | Co-ordination of specialist reports | Preparation of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Informal acceptance by Local Authority / DoMNR

Scoping EIS (optional but advised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as best practice)

| | ------------------------------------| | Submit to Local Authority / DoMNR Lodge Application Source: Guidelines for Planning a Marina Development; Marine Institute; (July 2001) Planning Application Documents

Typically * Flora & fauna * Hydrology * Air Quality * Dust * Noise & vibration * Material assets * Landscape & visual appraisal * Cultural heritage * Marine & terrestrial archaeology * Marine biology

51

Department of the Marine and Natural Resources

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3.7.1

Socio-Economic Value of Marinas - Access to the Sea 52

The perception that boating is an exclusive pastime has long been fostered by images of exclusive yacht clubs. In past times, most of these clubs managed swinging moorings which, whilst taking up large amounts of ground space restricted the number of boats that could be accommodated. Marinas provide access to the sea at all states of the tide and also provide efficient use of valuable ground space. The advent of the large marinas in Dn Laoghaire and Malahide provide berths for boat owners who are not necessarily members of the yacht clubs therefore giving access to the sea for everyone who can afford a marina berth. The perception that boating is an exclusive undertaking is also challenged as the majority of boats based on the marinas are in fact affordable boats. Already the number of berths available for small boats in the recently extended Dn Laoghaire marina has been filled and a new waiting list is in place. Boats under six metres in length form the majority of boats in most Irish marinas. This is also borne out by the boat survey conducted by Toms Ochman for the ISMS Study. 33 % of boats kept at sea or close to sea within the ISMS Survey Region were found by the Ochman survey to be under six metres in length (see appendix A3.1.1).

52

Marinas as an Economic Driver, Irish Marina Operators Association [IMOA] (2007)

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3.7.2

Proposed Marina Developments

The development strategy for marine leisure infrastructure outlines sites at which marinas 53 could be built. These are as follows
Table 6: Proposed Marina Developments in the ISMS Survey Region

Marina Skerries Wicklow Dunmore East Balbriggan Dublin Bay Bray Greystones Courtown Cahore (Poulduff) Rosslare Fethard Duncannon Knockmahon Dungarvan Helvick Total
Notes Large Scale: Medium Scale: Small Scale:

Large & Medium Marinas Small Marina

12

Source: A Development Strategy for Marine Leisure Infrastructure Marine Institute

Provide > 75 berths Provide 25 75 berths Provide 0 25 berths

As of December, 2005, none of these marinas have been built.

53

A Development Strategy for Marine Leisure Infrastructure Marine Institute

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3.8

Challenges Facing the Irish Marine Leisure Sector

54, 55

There needs to be a clear national policy, leadership and vision on the development of marine recreation in small ports and harbours (SPHs). Within some parts of Europe, there is already considerable pressure on berths within marinas. The marine federations within the UK and Ireland are campaigning for new marina developments. It is difficult to sell new boats to consumers if they do not have anywhere to berth them. Italy has already taken the initiative and has a programme for developing fifty new marinas in the next ten years. A lack of awareness of the opportunities for developing marine recreation in some small ports and harbours (SPH) is a constraint to development. There is a need to promote the opportunities arising from marine recreation as a stimulus to promote the rejuvenation of SPHs. The adoption of innovative public private partnership (PPP) offers opportunities for rejuvenation and investment in marine infrastructure.

3.9
3.9.1

Demand for Marine Leisure

World Markets for Marine Leisure 56

Marine leisure activities include a wide range of activities including sailing, boating, water sports, recreational diving, sea angling and cruise holidays. The world marine leisure and tourism sector is set to grow from 174 billion in 2005 to 205 billion in 2010. Leisure boating has a considerable economic impact. Within some European countries, the total leisure boating sector is typically worth seven to eight times the value of new yacht and boat sales. In the UK, it is estimated that for every spent on boating, six times that amount is spent onshore. In 2004, it is estimated that the world market for yacht and boat building was worth 12.5 billion. This is based on data provided by the International Council of Marine Industry Associations 57 (ICOMIA). The market for yacht & boatbuilding is forecast to grow from a level of 12.5 billion in 2005 to 17 billion by 2010. The European leisure boat industry employs over a quarter of a million people 58. In 2003, boat ownership in Europe stood at 6 million boats, with over 130,000 boats manufactured in Europe 59. Total world tourism receipts for 2004 were estimated at 1,586 billion. The forecast for world international tourist arrivals sees a 4.1% annual growth from 1995 through 2020.
Financial Times, Page 5, 18 January 2005 Marine Recreation & the Process of Rejuvenation of Small Ports and Harbours; Edited by Anne Wilkinson, the Marine Institute; (2001) 56 World Marine Markets; A report by WTSH by Douglas Westwood Limited; Report number 328-05; (March 2005) 57 www.icomia.com 58 British Marine News, March 2003. 59 British Marine News, June 2004, Page 10
55 54 th

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Europes growth for this period is estimated at 3%. Applying this growth rate to the marine leisure sector suggests a market value (for the marine leisure sector) of 205 billion by 2010. In 2004, North America had the largest marine tourism industry valued at 73 billion, followed by Europe (72 billion), Asia (10 billion), Eastern Europe (5 billion) and Latin America (including the Caribbean) (4 billion). Sustainable tourism is of particular relevance within the marine tourism sector as the sector depends upon the quality of the marine environment. 3.9.2 World Boat Sales 60

The sixteen largest boat builders have combined annual sales of about $8bn. They employ some 38,000 people. Production is concentrated in the USA, Italy, France, Germany and the UK. Due to healthy demand, sales are growing at a rate of between 5 to 10 percent a year. 3.9.3 The European Marine Leisure Sector An Overview 61

Within Europe, 37,200 businesses supply goods and services to the marine leisure sector. 272,000 full time employees work in the sector. 97% of these businesses are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The sector has an annual turnover of 23.4 billion. The European marine leisure sector has an average annual growth rate of 6%. 48 million European citizens regularly participate in recreational marine activities, including sailing / boating, wind surfing, kite-surfing, canoeing and diving.

60 61

Financial Times Deutschland, Germany - 5 Jul 2007 European Federation of Nautical Industries; www.ecni.org

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3.9.4

Boat Ownership - An EU Comparison 62

Six million boats are owned by Europeans reflecting the popularity of boating as a pastime. There is considerable variability in the levels of boat ownership amongst countries. In general, there is a low level of boat ownership in developing countries, with higher levels in developed economies. The British Marine Federation 63 (BMF) suggests that the US market is responsible for 80% of world marine markets. Irish boat ownership and the number of marina berths in Ireland are low by comparison with other European Union States. These are detailed in table 7 below.
Table 7: A Comparison of Boat Ownership and Marina Berths by EU County

Item / Country No of Boats No of Marinas No of Berths

France

UK

Holland Belgium Ireland Italy 25,000 24 1,600 4.0 M

Germany

725,000 1.5 million 500,000 15,000 261 150 600 8

840,000 750,000 * * 58.1M * * 81M

150,000 250,000 60 M

250,000 4,000 16 M 10 M

Population 60 M

Source: Adapted from options for marine leisure development in Waterford Estuary Marine Institute Note: * No data available

In 2003, over 130,000 boats were manufactured in 30 European countries 64. The European leisure boating industry employs over 250,000 people 65. In Europe, key marine leisure markets are Germany, France, Italy and the UK. These account for two thirds of European marine leisure spending and for 63% of industry revenues. Details for the value of boat sales in key European markets are detailed below.

62 63

Options for Marine Leisure Development in Waterford Estuary Marine Institute www.britishmarine.co.uk 63 Recreational Boat Market Germany, Industry Sector Analysis Report, US Department of Commerce, nd August 2 2001 64 British Marine News, June 2004, Page 10 65 British Marine News; March 2003; Page 1

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3.9.4.1

German Boat Sales

66, 67 68, 69

The German recreational boat market is the fourth largest in the EU, behind Italy, France and the UK and is largely served by imports. The majority of German boat manufacturers are small companies having 10 to 50 employees, with a comparatively low annual output. In 2000, about 78% of boats sold in Germany were imported. Motorboats and motor yachts up to 13 metres (40 feet) were mostly imported from the UK and the U.S. which are Germanys two leading suppliers. Other prominent suppliers include Poland, the Czech Republic and France. Yachts from Sweden, Norway and Finland are popular in Germany70. Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft 71 (the Federal Watersports Industry Association) [BWVS] estimates that, excluding the super yacht sector, the German market for marine products and services was worth 1.75 billion in 2006 72. It is estimated that the German recreational boat fleet is comprised of 750,000 boats, 75% of which are motorboats, with the remainder being yachts and sailboats. The domestic German market for new boat sales remained static from 2001 to 2003 at a level of 230 million 73. Data from the German Federal Statistical Office shows that in 2002, the German leisure and sport boat industry exported 12,089 boats and 3,822 yachts worth over 950 million. In 2003, the 529 companies within the German yacht and boat building sector had an estimated turnover of 837.7 million. They had a combined employment of 4,444 people 74. Bavaria Yachtbau and Hanse are amongst Germanys largest and most successful volume yacht manufacturers. Bavaria Yachtbau 75, Germany's largest manufacturer of series-produced yachts, is a privately owned company, founded in the late 1970s. During the 1990s, it grew rapidly,

Leisure and Sport Boat Market 2002; German Exports and Imports; British Consulate-General, Hamburg; (2003) 67 Market Brief; German Pleasure Boat Industry & Trade Shows; Juergen Mueller, US Commercial Service, Hamburg, Germany; (September 2005) 68 Explaining Differential Responses to Globalisation; The Case of Volume Yacht Manufacturing in 4 European Clusters. Richard Blundel and Michael Thatcher; Oxford Brooks University, Wheatley, Oxford OX33 1HX, UK 69 Recreational Boat Market Germany, Industry Sector Analysis Report, US Department of Commerce; nd (August 2 2001) 70 The International Boating Market; Opportunities for Maine; Maine International Trade Centre; (May 2005) 71 www.bwvs.de 72 www.boot.de/cipp/md_boot/custom/pubcontent,lang,2/oid,18684/ticket,g_u_e_s_t 73 World Marine Markets; A Report by Douglas Westwood Ltd.; Report Number 328 05; March 2005 74 An Analysis of the Maritime Industry & its Potential; Ministry of Science, Economic Affairs, Land and Transport of Schleswig Holstein, Germany / Douglas Westwood Ltd., Canterbury, UK 75 www.bavaria-yachts.com/about.htm

66

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with production output rising from just over 300 yachts per annum in 1995 to more than 2,000 yachts in 2001. This expansion programme saw it overtaking its leading domestic rivals. In 2005/2006, Bavaria Yachtbau, increased its sales by 20% to 270 million. A total of 2,900 sailing yachts and 700 motor boats left its production lines in Giebelstadt, Bavaria. Hanse 76 was established in 1990 by the Hamburg based yacht broker, Michael Schmidt. Its production facilities are located in Griefswald, an historic Hanseatic city on Germanys Baltic coast, a region with long established boat building traditions. It builds cruising yachts ranging between 9 and 19 metres in length (LOA). Other German yacht and boat manufacturers include Dehler 77. Located in Meschede-Freienohl (Sauerland), Dehler have manufactured yachts since the 1940s. Their current output is 170 yachts / annum. Hille Boote GmbH 78. Established in 1948, Hille Boote manufactures powerboats. There are based in Schweppenhausen. Judel-Vrolijk 79, Bremerhaven In 2005, the German super - yacht sector was estimated by the German Yachting Industry Pool80 (GYIP) to have a turnover of $1.2billion, with German shipyards having super yachts to the value of $2.8b on their order books 81. The principal German super yachts manufacturers 82 and their manufacturing locations are Abeking & Rasmussen (Lemwerder) 83. Blohm & Voss (Hamburg) 84. HDW (Kiel) 85. HDW-Nobiskrug (Rendsburg) 86, 87. Lrssen (although headquartered in Bremen, Lrssen operates from various shipyard locations in Northern Germany) 88. Peters Schiffbau (Wewelsfleth) 89. SMG Werft AG (Rostock) 90.

76 77

www.hanseyachts.com www.dehler.com 78 www.hilleboote.de 79 www.judel-vrolijk.com 80 www.deutsche-yachten.de 81 www.marinelink.com/Story/Superyacht+Sector+has+Presence+at+SMM-204280.html 82 Source: Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft (BWVS) www.bwvs.de 83 www.abeking.com 84 www.blohmvoss-repair.com/ 85 www.hdw.de/index_en.php 86 www.yachtforums.com/forums/luxury-mega-super-yacht-builders/4757-hdw-nobiskrug-yachts.html 87 www.hdw.de/index_en.php 88 www.lurssen.com/ 89 www.peters-ag.de 90 www.smg-werft.de

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3.9.4.2

French Boat Sales

91 92

France has a very strong domestic marine industry. According to industry sources, there are about four million pleasure boaters in France and a registered fleet of 880,000 units in 2005, a figure that represents a 2.6 percent increase from 2004. Forty percent of the French population lives within 100 kilometres of the French coast. Day excursions are by far the most popular form of nautical outing in France; only 20,000 boats are used for cruises lasting more than two days. France is the worlds largest producer and exporter of sailboats and inflatable boats93. The French pleasure boat industry is the second largest in the European Union behind Italy and is the third largest worldwide (after the United States and Italy). In 2003, the output of the French pleasure boat industry was estimated to be $1.436 billion. Turnover in the sailboat and inflatable boat sectors was over $882.5 million and $88.75 million respectively. Motorboat production was $370 million and represents the second largest sector. Other miscellaneous pleasure boats amounted for a turnover of $94.5 million. In recent years, the French boat industry has been building and exporting an increasing number of yachts, while the French public has been buying an increasing number of motorboats. French boat production accounts for nearly one-third of European boat sales, with French built boats supplying twenty percent of the European fleet. The principal French boat builders are. Groupe Bnteau 94 including Jeanneau 95. Groupe Dufour 96. Fontaine Pajot 97. Zodiac 98. Groupe Rodriguez 99. Groupe Alliaura Marine 100. Catana 101.

91 92

www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inimr-ri2.nsf/en/gr-01900e.html www.commercecan.ic.gc.ca/scdt/bizmap/interface2.nsf/vDownload/IMI_4269/$file/X_1938868.DOC 93 www.buyusa.gov/france/en/206.html 94 www.beneteau.com/en/sailboats/default.aspx 95 www.jeanneau.com 96 www.dufour-yachts.com 97 www.fountaine-pajot.com/-All-about-Fountaine-Pajot-.html 98 www.zodiacmarine.com 99 www.rodriguezgroup.com 100 www.alliaura.com/ 101 www.catana.com/

Page 29

Hamel. Poncin Yachts 102. Locwind. Guy Couach 103. Ocqueteau 104 and Kelt 105. Frances top two boat-builders; Groupe Bnteau and Groupe Dufour account for sixty percent of French leisure boat output. Details on both groups are outlined below. Groupe Bnteau Bnteau can trace its origins to 1884, when its founder established a boatyard in Croix-de-Vie, in order to build fishing trawlers. The diversification into the building of sailing yachts occurred in the early 1960s, under the third generation of the Bnteau family. In late 1995, Bnteau purchased Jeanneau to form the worlds largest sailboat manufacturer. Though owned by Bnteau, Jeanneau operates as an independent brand with separate production facilities and distribution networks. In 2003/4, the Bnteau Group had combined sales of 715.5 million 106. Other marine products manufactured by Groupe Bnteau include: Bnteau Pche (fishing and working boats). CNB (large pleasure boats / custom yachts). Lagoon (catamarans). Voyager TM (rapid passenger boats) and Wauquiez (luxury sail yachts). Groupe Dufour Dufour became the second leading French boat manufacturer after its acquisition of three boat makers; Gilbert Marine de Marans (1996), Arcoa 107 (1997) and ACM 108 (1998). This expanded Dufours capability to produce a wider range of pleasure boats, including motorboats.

102 103

www.poncinyachts.com www.couach.com/ 104 www.ocqueteau.com/ 105 www.kelt-boats.com/production/historique/ 106 www.beneteau.com/en/sailboats/default.aspx 107 www.arcoa-group.com/uk/arcoa.htm 108 www.acm-yachts.com

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3.9.4.3

Italian Boat Sales

109

Italy has the largest marine industry in Europe with sales of 3 billion in 2003. The Italian boat building sector is dominated by the luxury and super yacht sector. The key boat building groups in this sector are Azimut-Benetti Group 110 In 2004 2005, the Azimut-Benetti Group had a turnover of 609 million. Comprising Azimut, Bennetti and Gobbi, it is estimated that the group directly employs 1,300 people. When sub contractors are included, this number rises to in excess of 2,000. Ferretti Group 111 Its arch rival is the Ferretti Group headquartered in Forl, Italy. In 2005 2006, it employed over 2,800 people and had a turnover of 770.4 million. Group brands include Ferretti Yachts, Pershing S.p.A., Itama Cantieri Navali S.p.A, Bertram Yacht, Inc. (USA), Riva S.p.A., Apreamare S.p.A., Mochi Craft, Custom Line and CRN S.p.A. Other Italian boat builders include Cranchi 112. Baglietto. Sessa Marine 113. Cantiere del Mardo. Fipa 114. Italiana. Canados 115. C & L. Dalla Pieta 116 Yachts and Tecnomar 117. These are supported by a strong marine equipment manufacturing industry located near to the key production yards.

109 110

www.fisherassoc.co.uk/download.asp?key=43 www.azimutyachts.com 111 www.ferrettigroup.com 112 www.cranchi.it 113 www.sessamarine.com/ 114 www.fipagroup.com/html/fipa_eng/storiafipa_eng.htm 115 www.canados.it 116 www.dallapieta.it 117 www.tecnomar.com

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3.9.4.4

UK Boat Sales

118

Since 1997, the UK leisure marine industry has grown at an average annual rate of 8% per annum. In 2003, the UK marine leisure sector was worth Stg. 1.838 billion showing a growth of 5.5% for the year. The UK leisure boating market has seen sustained growth in recent years, with sales reaching 349 million in 2004. Demand is high for all boats (sail and power) exceeding ten metres. The UK boat building sector is dominated by four key power boat builders; namely, Fairline 119, Princess Yachts 120, Sunseeker 121 and Sealine 122. The aggregate turnover of these four businesses approaches Stg. 400 million. The UK boat building sector is highly integrated. Some UK marine suppliers are world class and export a significant proportion of their output. Such suppliers include Raymarine 123, Lewmar 124 and Spinlock 125. The output of the marine leisure sector in the UK for 2004 is detailed below
Table 8: Output of the UK Marine Leisure Sector (2004)

Criteria Value Stg. Sector turnover 1.994 million Employment in the UK marine leisure sector 30,000 people Exports 839 million Source: BMF Annual Report (2004) www.britishmarine.co.uk

118 119

www.fisherassoc.co.uk/download.asp?key=43 www.fairline.com 120 www.princess.co.uk/ 121 www.sunseeker.com/ 122 www.sealine.com/ 123 www.raymarine.com/ 124 www.lewmar.com/ 125 www.spinlock.co.uk/

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3.9.5

Boat Ownership in Ireland 126

The market for new boat sales in Ireland in 2006 is conservatively estimated to be worth 70 million 127. Yet, boat ownership in Ireland remains low by international standards as outlined below.
Table 9: A Comparison of Boat Ownership by Capita by Country

Country Sweden USA Netherlands France Italy UK Germany Ireland Poland South Africa

Per capita boat ownership 1:7 1:16 1:30 1:66 1:67 1:100 1:108 1:171 1:471 1:1,700

Source: World Marine Markets (2005) page 45. Boat numbers for Ireland were supplied by the Irish Sea Marine Sector

The Irish Marine Federation estimates that the domestic market for new boats in Ireland to be worth 50 million per annum. This does not take into consideration boats bought second hand or new boats bought for cash. Moreover, the existing Irish boat park would be considered to be elderly in international terms with the majority of boats being older than 20 years.

World Marine Markets, a Report to the WTSH by Douglas Westwood Limited, report number 328 05, March 2005; page 45; http://www.wtsh.de/wtsh/en/teaser/maritime_potenzialanalyse_engl.pdf 127 Lombard Finance

126

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3.9.6

Demand for Marine Recreation in Ireland

In Ireland, demand for marine recreation comes from four main markets namely, The local resident market i.e. those living in the surrounding area of a port / harbour. Domestic day trip visitors, i.e. people who do not live locally, but who might use the services of a port / harbour. These people usually live within 60 90 minutes drive from the port or harbour. Domestic overnight visitors, i.e. Irish people who spend an overnight visit in the port / harbour area probably for holiday reasons. Overseas visitors, i.e. mainly visitors from Britain and Continental Europe. Up to 1.5 million adults in Ireland partake in some form of water-based activity, according to the ESRI study, A National Survey of Water-based Leisure Activities in Ireland (2003), commissioned by the Marine Institute 128. There is evidence that, despite a strong domestic economy, that water based tourism and leisure activities in Ireland are not demonstrating positive growth trends. There is also evidence of a fall off amongst participants in the 16 29 age group, which has significant implications for the sustainability of the sector. However, a study undertaken by the Marine Institute shows that investment in improved facilities would increase participation levels in the marine leisure sector 129. 3.9.7 Participation in the Irish Marine Leisure Sector (1996 2003)

Studies undertaken by the Economic & Social Research Institute 130 (ESRI) show that, when taken as a percentage of the Irish population, that participation in the marine leisure sector has declined over the period 1996 2003. This is despite a slight increase (0.5%) in the numbers engaged in marine leisure activities.

128

http://www.marine.ie/media+centre/press+releases/archive/waterbased+leisure+report+launched+at+boa t+show.htm 129 A National Survey of Water Based Leisure Activities in Ireland (2003) 130 www.ersi.ie

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The changes in participation rates in marine leisure activity in Ireland from 1996 to 2003 are detailed in table 10 below
Table 10: Changes in Participation Rates in Marine Leisure in Ireland (1996 2003)

Activity

1996 Total participants (000s) 66.2 76.4 53.6 34.3 190.0 49.9 * * 30.1 143.9 * * * * 538.8 15.9 31.2 84.6 1047.8 * 1,468.2 2,634.0 56%

2003 Total participants (000s)

Trend

Angling Freshwater angling for coarse fish Freshwater angling for game fish Sea angling from the shore Sea angling from a boat Any type of angling Coastal and Inland Boating Sailing at sea Boating and sea in row boats, canoes etc Boating at sea in power boats etc Cruising or boating on inland waterways Any type of boating /sailing Watersports Water skiing, jet skiing Surfing, sail boarding Scuba diving, Snorkelling Other Sea Sports Seaside and Resort Trips Swimming in the sea Whale and dolphin watching Bird watching in coastal area Visiting nature reserves etc in coastal areas Other trips to the beach or seaside Other trips to the islands All water-based leisure activities All adults in the population Percentage of adults in population undertaking any kind of water based leisure activity
Source: Marine Institute Notes: *comparable figures not available in the 1996 survey

66.5 Slight increase 80.5 Slight increase 74.1 Increase 53.0 Increase 218.0 58.8 Increase 32.1 24.6 42.8 Increase 142.8 19.2 17.8 9.1 7.3 353.5 9.6 12.4 43.5 Decrease Decrease Decrease Decrease

1134.6 Increase 33.2 1,475.8 Slight increase 3,013.6 Increase 49% Decrease

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3.9.8

Sector Potential

In 2003, the Irish marine leisure sector generated a turnover of 566 million. The domestic market was worth 434 million and supported approximately 5,100 jobs. In 2003, water-based tourism accounted for 22 per cent of the domestic tourism market and generated 45 per cent of domestic tourism revenue. 1.5 million people, (half of Irelands adult population) participated in some form of water-based activity. Overseas visitors generated 132m in expenditure on angling, boating and water sports, supporting approximately 3,000 jobs. However, there is significant scope for expansion. A strategic study carried out by the Marine Institute / Douglas Westwood, estimated that Irelands positioning and growth potential within world marine sectors is as follows Irelands marine leisure market is estimated to have less than 1% market share of the world marine tourism market (0.09%). The world marine tourism market is estimated at 11% of all world tourism by value. In 2004, Irelands overseas marine tourism industry was worth 155 million. In 2004, Europes marine tourism industry was worth 71,812 million. Between 2005 and 2009 Europes marine tourism industry is forecast to grow by 14% based on an annual growth rate of 3.3%. Boat sales for Ireland are conservatively estimated to be worth 70 million 131. The market potential for the domestic and overseas marketplaces is outlined below. 3.9.8.1 Market Potential Domestic Marketplace

A study undertaken by the Marine Institute shows that investment in improved facilities would increase participation levels in the marine leisure sector132. The ESRI / Marine Institutes survey of the Irish domestic water based leisure market undertaken in 2003, found that. 294,100 people would take up water based activities if facilities improved. 184,500 existing participants would increase their participation levels if facilities improved.

131 132

ICOMIA / Lombard Finance A National Survey of Water Based Leisure Activities in Ireland (2003)

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3.9.8.2

Market Potential Overseas Marketplace

133

In 1999, Ireland's Marine Institute stated that the tourism potential of Ireland's marine environment is largely underexploited and that it sees major opportunities for development 134. The Irish marine tourism sector has traditionally suffered from a low level of marketing and promotion in both the domestic and the international marketplace, partly due to the small scale of many of its firms and their limited resources 135. In 2005, Filte Ireland are promoting the Irish marine product as follows. Ireland, situated on the edge of Europe, is a clean, unpolluted island country with over 5,600 kilometres of coastline and hundreds of lakes and rivers, making it one of the worlds great watersport playgrounds 136. To date, development of marine leisure access facilities has largely been undertaken on an ad hoc basis. These have been developed mainly as an add on to expansion / improvement projects at commercial ports or fishery harbours. In future, where possible, an integrated approach to infrastructure development should be taken to maximise the return on investment in infrastructure and facilities. Opportunities exist to develop clusters of marine leisure activities utilising and rejuvenating existing infrastructure in ports and harbours through waterfront developments. Specialist niche opportunities exist for salmon angling, fly to sail holidays and water sports linked to seaside resorts 137. The Irish Marine Federation forecasts that the marine leisure sector in Ireland could grow by 30% between 2005 to 2008.

133 134

A Development Strategy for Marine Leisure Infrastructure The Marine Institute http://www.cruising.org.uk/boat-ind-arc1.htm 135 Submission by the Marine Institute to the Tourism Review Group 136 Tourism Ireland.com 137 www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy

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3.9.8.3

The Customers View of the Irish Marine Leisure Product

In the summer of 2006, visiting sailors at 12 Irish marinas 138 were surveyed to ascertain their views of the Irish sailing product. The country of boat origin is detailed below.
Table 11: Boat Origin of Sailors Interviewed in June September 2006

Boat Origin

Number Surveyed UK 62 France 16 Scandinavia 9 Other European Countries 8 USA / Canada 6 Ireland 24 Northern Ireland 4 Total 129
Source: Franklin / Filte Ireland Sailing Study (2006)

The strengths and weaknesses of the Irish sailing product as cited by those surveyed are detailed below.
Table 12: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Irish Sailing Sector as Viewed by Holiday Sailors

Strengths Scenery (42%) People (40%) Lack of congestion (25%) Proximity (20%) Pubs / Food (14%) Good Sailing (8%)

Weaknesses Weather (47%) Facilities (37%) Cost (22%) Distance (9%)

Source: Franklin / Filte Ireland Sailing Study (2006)

The issues facing the sector as identified by those surveyed are as follows. Capacity is seen as the biggest issue with a low satisfaction rating (56% of those surveyed were satisfied). Marinas need investment, but this is hampered by political and planning issues. Moorings were seen as a quicker solution. There was also a low satisfaction with the facilities on offer. Refuse facilities (47% of those surveyed were satisfied) Petrol/diesel (46% of those surveyed were satisfied) Chandlery (34% of those surveyed were satisfied)

138

Arklow, Cahersiveen, Crosshaven Boatyard, Dn Laoghaire, Dingle, Howth, Kilmore Quay, Kilrush, Kinsale YC, Lawrence Cove (Bear Island, Co Cork), Royal Cork YC (Crosshaven) and Salve Marina (Crosshaven)

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The average boat spend / night of those surveyed for this study was found to be 192 / boat / night. Overseas boat owners spent 136 / boat / night. Irish boat owners spent 367 / boat / night. In terms of promoting the sector, 81% of the sailors interviewed had visited neither www.sailireland.com or www.sailing.ie

3.10

Marine Tourism Development Constraints

139,140

Filte Ireland has highlighted the development constraints affecting the marine tourism sector. These are as follows. The marine tourism sector has traditionally suffered from a low level of marketing and promotion in both the domestic and the international marketplace, partly due to the small scale of many of its firms and their limited resources. Inadequacy of basic infrastructure and facilities. An over dependence on a few products e.g. sailing, cruising and angling. An absence of an integrated development plan for the sector. A lack of product investment, both in terms of new product(s) and the upgrading of existing product(s). An overdependence on a few overseas markets e.g. Britain & Germany. A lack of basic market research information for the sector. A lack of human resources skills within the sector. A lack of co-operation and joint venture activity between water - based tourism and leisure firms.

139 140

Investment Programme 2000 2006 for Water Based Tourism and Leisure Sector in Ireland Submission by the Marine Institute to the Tourism Review Group

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3.11

Future Development

141

To date, the development of marine leisure access facilities have been undertaken largely on an ad hoc basis and mainly as an add on to commercial port or fishery harbour expansion / improvement projects. In future, where possible, an integrated approach to infrastructure development should be taken to maximise return on investment in infrastructure and facilities. Filte Ireland 142 has highlighted the following marine areas as having development potential. Canals and Waterways Dchas / Waterways Ireland managed property. Mooring facilities. Navigation improvement. Reinstatement and improvements generally. Angling Management of fish stocks, including physical in-water work. Acquisition of strategic fisheries/access. Establishment of new stocked fisheries and rehabilitation of depleted fisheries. Bank development to improve/expand capacity. Signposting and information. Provision of boats, visitor facilities, angling centres. Water Sports Water-skiing, sailing, wind surfing, canoeing etc. Projects aimed at the overseas tourism market. Sail Hire/Training projects. Cross-Border Waterways Re-opening of cross-border waterways. Enhancement of existing cross-border waterways. Sea Angling Provision of dedicated sea angling craft. Focus on overseas visitor market.

141 142

A Development Strategy for Marine Leisure Infrastructure The Marine Institute http://www.failteireland.ie/upload/documents/TourismDevStrategy.pdf

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Marine Facilities Marinas/Moorings and on-shore facilities at locations determined as having an international marketing relevance. Marine Sports Sub-aqua centres. Wind-surfing etc. centres. Focus on overseas markets. Opportunities exist to develop clusters of marine leisure activities utilising and rejuvenating existing infrastructure in ports and harbours through waterfront developments. Specialist niche opportunities exist for salmon angling, fly to sail holidays and water sports linked to seaside resorts 143.

3.12
3.12.1

The Policy and Development Context for Marine Leisure

144

Government Departments

Until 2005, the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources 145 (DCMNR) was fully responsible for developing Irish marine policy. Its mission, as defined in the Departments Strategy Statement for 2001 2003, is as follows. To promote the sustainable development, management and regulation of the communications, energy, marine and natural resources sectors in support of national economic and social policy objectives. Within the DCMNR, the policy goals which affect the marine leisure sector are as follows Marine Tourism, Leisure and Research To help secure the sustainable development of the marine tourism and leisure sector in the context of overall tourism development. At present 146, no Government Department has responsibility for the development of marine leisure. Marine Safety To establish, promote and enforce safety and security standards, and by doing so, prevent, as far as possible, the loss of life at sea and on inland waters and other areas, and to provide effective emergency response services.

143 144

www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy Marine Regeneration and the Process of Rejuvenation of Small Ports and Harbours; Marine Institute 145 www.dcmnr.gov.ie 146 i.e. as of November 2007

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Since 2005, responsibility for marine safety has been transferred to the Department of Transport 147. Marine Environment To safeguard the quality of the marine environment. Marine Coastal Management To support and manage the sustainable use and development of Irelands marine territory. Engineering To facilitate and develop harbours and coastal infrastructure, to support coastal protection works, and the sustainable development of State foreshore. The legislative powers of the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources extends to the high water mark (HWM) in the coastal zone where it holds responsibility for the issue of foreshore licences and leases. The Department is responsible for regulation and legislation. Key areas includes compliance with environmental directives, integrated coastal zone management and safety in all types of recreational watercraft and passenger carrying vessels. In 2005, the Department of Transport 148 took over responsibility for maritime transportation and safety from the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR). The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism 149 also plays an important role in marine leisure product development, grant aid and organisation development. In 2007, responsibility for coastal zone management of the Foreshore Act (1933) 150 has been passed to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

147 148

www.transport.ie/marine/MaritimeSafetyDirectorate/index.asp?lang=ENG&loc=1933 www.transport.ie 149 www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie 150 www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZA12Y1933.html

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3.12.2

The Foreshore Act (1933)

151

The Foreshore Act (1933) is in need of urgent review The application process stipulated by the Act is anarchic. Applications submitted electronically are not accepted. Applications made under the Act are supposed to run concurrent with planning. There is a lack of transparency in the application process. There is a slow response time to correspondence. There is no fixed time frame for giving an outcome of the application. There is no appeal process. There is no proper public consultation process There are unacceptable delays in securing valuations. These currently take up to one year to process. The State Valuation Office is unrealistic in its valuation of the sea bed. Current rates are 19,500 per acre per annum for sea bed applications. Applications are taking up to ten years to process. A 35 year lease is an unrealistic time frame for potential investors Investor expenditure is considerable before preliminary discussions can be reached. These include design and environmental impact costs.

151

www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZA12Y1933.html

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3.12.3

Other Key Agencies The Marine Institute 152

The Marine Institute is the Irish National agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation (RTDI). It seeks to Assess and realise the economic potential of Ireland's 220 million acre marine resource Promote the sustainable development of the marine industry through strategic funding programmes and essential scientific services and Safeguard Irelands marine environment through research and environmental monitoring. The Institute was set up under the 1991 Marine Institute Act with the following role: to undertake, to co-ordinate, to promote and to assist in marine research and development and to provide such services related to research and development that, in the opinion of the Institute, will promote economic development and create employment and protect the marine environment The institute has developed a number of research and development programmes and has published a number of strategic documents. Key areas of research include market profiles, promotion and competitor analysis, and the sustainable development of the sector from an economic and an environmental perspective. This latter work includes the development of codes of practice. Of particular relevance to this study is the institutes: Development Strategy for Marine Leisure Infrastructure (1998). This has been used by the Institute as a blueprint for its research & development, piloting and demonstration work. Since June 2007, the Marine Institute no longer has a role in the development of marine leisure.

152

www.marine.ie

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3.12.4

Other Key Agencies The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) 153

The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) is the National organisation representing both commercial and leisure sectors of the marine industry in Ireland. The IMF is affiliated to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC). The primary aims of the IMF are To promote the interests of all sectors of the marine industry in Ireland and to encourage its growth and development. To represent the interests of the industry to Government, State Agencies and European institutions, thereby influencing public policies. To promote the image of the industry through quality awareness, public statements and the organisation of boat shows. To provide advice, information and services to members in order to assist in achieving these objectives. 3.12.5 Other Key Agencies Tourism Support Agencies

During the period 2000-2006 there have been a number of changes to tourism support agencies which affect water based tourism. These include. The establishment of Tourism Ireland 154 as a new North/South body to market the island of Ireland internationally. The establishment of Filte Ireland 155 with responsibility for the development of the tourism and hospitality industries in Ireland. This new body combines the functions of Bord Filte and CERT. Its establishment represents a significant step towards strengthening the support framework for the development of tourism in Ireland. The publication of New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action (2003)156. This was prepared for the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism by the Tourism Policy Review Group. This report provides a medium term strategy and a coherent framework of actions for the development of Irish tourism from 2003 to 2012. The establishment of the National Salmon Commission; and the development of a single Fisheries Board for Ireland to replace the Regional and Central Fisheries Boards. The development of a joint product marketing website www.sailingireland.com .

153 154

www.irishmarinefederation.com www.tourismireland.com 155 www.failteireland.ie 156 www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/pdfs/tourism_review_report.pdf

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Tourism Funding Programmes and the Marine Leisure Sector Over the past decade, the Irish water-based tourism sector has been influenced by the following development programmes. TPDS & NDP Over the past decade, the main investment channels for tourism products / services were. Tourism Product Development Scheme [TPDS] (1994-1999) and the National Development Plan [NDP] (2000-2006). Since 2000, there has been a considerable reduction in the level of NDP investment in water-based tourism & leisure products when compared with the preceding period. Operational Programme for Tourism 2000-2006 By March 2005, it was estimated that grants totalling 5.4m had been approved for relevant water-based tourism and leisure projects under this programme. Tourism Operational Programme 1994 to 1999 During the 1990s, significant advances by the tourism industry were underpinned by investment in product development, access, transport infrastructure, marketing and training It is estimated that close to 100m was invested in water-based tourism & leisure projects via the Operational Plan for Tourism (1994-1999) and other investment initiatives. Examples include. An investment of 22 million in tourism angling facilities. Investment in special interest facilities amounting to an estimated 37m. Approximately 46% of this investment supported marine or water-based projects. Examples of such projects include the Malahide marina, the expansion of the inland cruiser fleet and the provision of a network of visitor mooring facilities. Some 6m via the PESCA Programme 157. This aims to provide an alternative means of income for fishing communities through grant aid for sea angling and tour boats. 25m via the Business Expansion Scheme (BES).

157

www.bim.ie/uploads/reports/Issue%20No%2013.pdf

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3.13

A National Development Strategy for Marine and Waterbased Tourism and Leisure

The strategy statement of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (2001 2003) states that the marine tourism and leisure sector, while dynamic and largely market driven, has considerable scope for further development 158. In June 2004, the Marine Institute agreed in consultation with the DCMNR to undertake the preparation of a new National Marine Research and Innovation Strategy for the period 2007-2013159. The key components of this strategy are as follows. A national foresight exercise to create a shared vision for the development of the marine sector to 2020. Preparation of a clearly defined National Marine Knowledge, Research & Innovation Strategy for the period 2007-2013. Achievement of a greater national awareness of the value of the marine resource and better synergies among the productive sectors utilising the resource, resulting in an acceleration of the overall contribution of marine resources to Irish regional, social and economic development. Marine foresight meetings were held in early 2005 160. Experts from the public, academic and commercial sectors looked at the opportunities and challenges facing the Irish marine sector. Future scenarios, objectives and research needs were identified. A National development strategy for marine and water-based tourism and leisure (20072013) is currently under preparation by the Marine Institute under the guidance of a high level working group with members drawn from key Government Departments, National and Regional Tourism Agencies and Local Authorities.

158

www.iczm.ucc.ie/documents/administrative_structures/national/DCMNR_Strategy_Statement_2001_20 03.pdf 159 www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy/

160

www.marine.ie/home/aboutus/newsroom/PressReleaseArchive/2005/PressreleaseMarine+ResearchOce anPotential.htm

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An Audit of Marine Leisure Facilities on the East & South East Coast of Ireland

The marine leisure facilities available on the East and South East Coast of Ireland are many and varied. These include.

4.1

Angling

Angling continues to hold a strong position in the Irish marine leisure activity sector. In 2003, over 218,000 people participated in angling in Ireland. This activity is detailed below.
Table 13: Participation in Angling in Ireland (2003)

Angling Type Number of participants (000s) Freshwater angling for coarse fish 66.5 Freshwater angling 80.5 Sea angling from the shore 74.1 Sea angling from a boat 53.0 Any type of angling 218.0
Source: A National Survey of Water Based Leisure Activities in Ireland 2003. The Marine Institute

Angling activity generated the equivalent of 59 million in domestic tourism revenue and supported over 733 jobs 161. Locations that are used for shore and deep sea angling within the survey region are detailed in appendix A2. There has been a serious reduction in stock levels as well as water quality in recent years. This has resulted in negative publicity for the Irish angling sector 162. Within the survey region, the Leinster branch of the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers has a membership of 1,200 anglers spread over 40 clubs. The greatest problem they face is a lack of fish on the East coast and a loss of facilities for anglers. A survey undertaken in 2003 by the Marine Institute indicated that 39,000 people would take up angling if the relevant facilities were improved 163.

161 162

A National Survey of Water Based Leisure Activities in Ireland (2003) Filte Ireland 163 A National Survey of Water Based Leisure Activities in Ireland (2003)

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4.2

Beaches

Key beaches within the survey region are detailed in Appendix A2.

4.3

Blue Flag Beaches

164

The Blue Flag is an international environmental award made to beaches and marinas thoughout the world that demonstrate good environmental standards and good sanitary and safety facilities. The award is made by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an independent non-profit organisation. In Ireland, the Blue Flag programme is run by An Taisce 165. In 2005, the Blue Flag was awarded to around 3,100 beaches and marinas in thirty five countries across Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean. Beaches seeking a Blue Flag must meet criteria for water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. These criteria are detailed in Appendix D.

164 165

http://www.antaisce.org/projects/blueflag.html http://www.antaisce.org/projects/blueflag.html

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The Blue Flag Beaches within the survey region 2004 2005 are detailed below.
Table 14: Blue Flag Beaches within the ISMS Survey Region
166

County Council Beach or Marina (m) Blue Flag 2004 Blue Flag 2005 Fingal Portrane Malahide Donabate Dublin Dollymount Dn Laoghaire Seapoint Rathdown Killiney Wicklow Greystones South Brittas Bay North Brittas Bay South Wexford Courtown Curracloe Rosslare Duncannon Kilmore Quay M M Waterford Counsellor's Strand, Dunmore East Bonmahon Clonea Source: http://www.antaisce.org/projects/press-release-05.html
Notes Beaches awarded Blue Flag status M Marinas awarded Blue Flag status Beaches not awarded Blue Flag status

The beaches which lost Blue Flags in 2005 are as follows. Portrane, County Dublin lost its Blue Flag because of a failure to reach the required water quality standard. It did not meet the EU Guideline values for faecal streptococci in 2004. Curracloe, Courtown, Duncannon and Rosslare, County Wexford did not retain their Blue Flag for the 2005 season. This was due to anomalies with bathing water analysis. The beaches which failed to meet Blue Flag guidelines in 2005 are as follows. Ardmore, County Waterford failed to meet water quality for two consecutive years. It failed EU guide values for faecal streptococci and faecal coliform in 2003. Tramore, County Waterford failed the EU guide value for faecal coliform in 2004.

166

Counties Fingal, Dublin City, Dn Laoghaire Rathdown, Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford

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4.4

Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion remains of concern to all the Local Authorities interviewed for this study. All Local Authorities surveyed for this study stated that spending on coastal erosion takes precedence over spending on coastal leisure.

4.5

Coastal Walking

Walking is an important leisure activity. It is estimated that there are 235,000 active walkers in Ireland. In 2003, 168,000 visitors to Ireland cited walking as one of their main holiday activities. The origin of these walkers is as follows 167. Mainland Europe 47% Britain 27% North America 21% Other 5% In 2003, foreign walkers spent 110 million in Ireland. The following coastal walks are contained within the survey region. Dublin Fingal Coastal walks within Dublin Fingal include Howth Head Howth Sutton - Balydoyle Portmarnock Malahide Malahide Swords Donabate Portrane Loughshinny Skerries and Balbriggan

167

Step by Step, a Walking Strategy for County Waterford, Community & Enterprise Section, Waterford County Council www.waterfordcoco.ie

Page 51

Dublin City Clontarf Promenade A coastal walk stretches 3 kilometres from Fairview Park to the Bull Wall at Dollymount. This was reclaimed from the sea in the 1920s and was completed in the 1950s Sandymount Promenade The walk stretches for one kilometre along Strand Road. It features views over Sandymount Strand to Poolbeg, Irishtown Nature Park and Dn Laoghaire. Dn Laoghaire Rathdown Coastal walks within Dn Laoghaire Rathdown are Dn Laoghaire piers. Dn Laoghaire to Sandycove. Killiney beach. Wicklow County Council Bray to Greystones walk The Bray to Greystones cliff walk is one of the most spectacular coastal walks in Ireland. However, in recent years, the walk has borne the brunt of coastal erosion. This is particularly evident at Greystones where cliff erosion has resulted in the walk becoming dangerous As a temporary solution, Wicklow County Council has recently purchased in excess of two acres of land. It has relocated and resurfaced a section of the path in order to make it accessible to the many walkers who use it on a regular basis. Further South of the relocated section of path, temporary works have been carried out in order to divert the path from the cliff edge. These works were undertaken with the agreement of the adjoining landowner, which was greatly appreciated. Permanent works are proposed as part of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) project proposed for the Greystones Harbour and North Beach area. A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) has been published to acquire the land necessary to facilitate the objectives of the Greystones Development Plan for this area. As part of the CPO procedure, rights of way will be extinguished in order to allow development to take place. These rights of way relate mainly to existing pathways. However, access to the Cliff Walk will be maintained at all times and bidders for the PPP project have been required to ensure that both temporary access is maintained

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during construction works and that permanent and improved access is provided on completion of the project. Wexford Sl Charmn The Wexford coastal path was established in 1993 by Wexford County Council. An tSl (the Path) extends for 221 kilometres from Kilmichael Point in the North East corner of County Wexford to Ballyhack Waterford Coastal walks within County Waterford include Woodstown Beach The Doneraile walk at Tramore The cliff walk at Ardmore and An Connigar at Dungarvan In addition, Waterford County Council has developed a walking strategy document 168 for County Waterford. Among the walks they are considering developing is the Waterford Dungarvan Railway Walk

Step by Step, a Walking Strategy for County Waterford, Community & Enterprise Section, Waterford County Council www.waterfordcoco.ie

168

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4.6 Coastguard
The Irish Coast Guard 169 has seventeen stations at the following locations within the survey region. These are detailed below Skerries, County Dublin. Howth, County Dublin Dn Laoghaire, County Dublin. Greystones, County Wicklow. Wicklow, County Wicklow. Arklow, County Wicklow Courtown, County Wexford Curracloe, County Wexford Rosslare, County Wexford Carnsore Point, County Wexford Kilmore Quay, County Wexford Fethard on Sea, County Wexford Dunmore East, County Waterford Tramore, County Waterford Bonmahon, County Waterford Helvick, County Waterford. Ardmore, County Waterford In January 2006, responsibility for the Coastguard moved from the Department of the Marine & Natural Resources to the Department of Transport 170.

169 170

www.transport.ie/marine/IRCG/index.asp?lang=ENG&loc=2029 www.transport.ie/marine/IRCG/CGinformation/index.asp?lang=ENG&loc=2076

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4.7

Diving

3,000 divers in Ireland are members of the Irish Underwater Council 171. Members of the Irish Underwater Council learn to dive through diving clubs. The membership of the organisation is relatively static. Barriers to entry include High insurance costs. High cost of equipment. The initial outlay on equipment ranges from 1,500 2,000. Training of children / teenagers. Issues concern how to best train children and teenagers while meeting best practice guidelines.

4.8

Kite Surfing

Kite surfing locations within the survey region are as follows

Table 15: Kite surfing locations within the ISMS Survey Region

Location & County Rush, County Dublin Dollymount, County Dublin Sandymount, County Dublin

Details The beach at Rush is two miles long. It is well suited for kite surfing. Ample car parking is available. This beach is popular for all kinds of kiting.

This is a great location for learning to kite surf, as the winds here are often much weaker than at Dollymount. It is an ideal place to body drag. No lifeguards patrol this area, so it is best not to go out alone. Ample car parking facilities are available here. Duncannon, The beach at Duncannon favours kite surfing at mid tide to full tide to County Wexford mid tide. The prevailing Southerly winds are on shore. Tramore, County Tramore is very popular for all types of kiting, especially kite surfing. Waterford In 2001, the first National kite surfing competition was held here. Source: www.kitesurfing.ie/

171

www.irishunderwatercouncil.com

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4.9

Lifeboat Cover

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) maintains sixteen lifeboats within the survey region. Details on call outs and on the number of people rescued in 2004 have been provided by the RNLI.
Table 16: Lifeboat Cover within the ISMS Survey Region

Lifeboat Station Skerries

Boat Type(s)

Inshore Atlantic 75 Rockabill Howth All weather Trent 6 Roy Barker III Howth Inshore D class 3 Margret Joan Harris Dn Laoghaire All weather Trent 6 Anna Livia 14-05 Dn Laoghaire Inshore D class 3 Irish Diver, D-441 Wicklow All-weather Tyne 6 Wicklow Inshore D Class 3 Arklow All-weather Trent 6 Courtown Inshore D Class 3 Wexford Inshore D Class 3 D469 Winifred and Cyril Thorpe Rosslare All-weather Severn 6 Kilmore Quay All-weather Mersey 6 Fethard Inshore D class 3 Dunmore East All-weather Trent 6 Tramore Inshore IB1 3 Tr Mhr Helvick Head Atlantic 21 class lifeboat 3 Totals Sources: http://www.rnli.org.uk/ & local lifeboat websites
** Rescue data has been provided by the RNLI, UK

Crew Introduced Call Rescues** Outs** 2004 2004 3 1997 17 21 26 24 1994 1986 1982 1995 1994 1990 2002 27 18 14 7 14 3 13 39 20 37 16 20 1 23 0 13

1996 1992 1996 1994 2003 1997

3 22 11 28 13 15 255

0 39 8 71 20 10 338

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4.10

Marinas

There are nine marinas within the survey region, having a total number of berths of 1,508 New marina developments (within the survey region) are also highlighted. Subject to planning permission, these will bring the number of berths within the survey region to 2,053. These are as detailed below.
Table 17: The Capacity of the Marinas within the ISMS Survey Region

Marina Malahide Marina Howth Marina Dublin City Moorings Poolbeg Dn Laoghaire Marina Greystones Arklow Marina Kilmore Quay Marina New Ross Waterford City Dunmore East Total no of berths

No of Berths New Marina Developments New Capacity 350 350 280 25 100 510 0 73 55 35 80 0 1,508 280 25 100 750 230 73 55 35 80 75 2,053

240 230

75 545

Source: Marina berth information provided by marina operators (IMOA)

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4.10.1

New Marina Developments

Dn Laoghaire Rathdown In October 2005, Dn Laoghaire Rathdown County Council granted planning permission to allow the Dn Laoghaire marina 172 to extend its number of berths by 240. However, two objections to the marina extension were lodged with An Bord Pleanla, one by the Commissioners of Irish Lights and the second by a member of the Royal Irish Yacht Club (RIYC). The marina extension, involving an investment of 3 million, was approved in June 2006 by An Board Pleanla. These berths opened in 2007, making Dn Laoghaire Irelands largest marina. However, this marina will be comparatively small in relation to most of the marinas located in mainland Europe where marinas often have in excess of 3,500 berths 173. The Dn Laoghaire Harbour Company has appointed consultants to undertake a new study to evaluate the potential future demand for marina berths in Dn Laoghaire Harbour and to identify possible locations within the Harbour for future marina development 174. The study began on Monday 4th December 2006, and will include an extensive consultation process with Harbour stakeholders and other interested parties. The study is being undertaken by Fisher Associates 175 in association with Marina Projects and HR Wallingford. Greystones A 230 berth marina is proposed at Greystones under the Greystones PPP project 176. This will be developed by Sispar Limited, a joint venture between Park Developments and Sisk. This is a mixed development comprising. Coastal protection works. An upgraded Bray / Greystones Walk. A new harbour. New facilities for local sporting clubs including. Greystones Sailing Club. Greystones Ridge Anglers Club. Greystones Rowing Club. Greystones Sea Scouts.

172 173

http://www.dlmarina.com/newsletter/ Marinas as an Economic Driver, Irish Marina Operators Association (2007) 174 www.cil.ie/sh620x5796.html 175 www.fisherassoc.co.uk 176 http://www.greystonesharbour.ie/

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Wicklow Aquanauts. Provision for a new Coastguard Station. A new beach area. A new improved public park. A new public boardwalk. 375 residential units. New retail facilities including cafes / restaurants. A 230 berth marina. Dunmore East The Department of the Marine and Natural Resources is undertaking a 30 million re development of Dunmore East 177. This will see the development of a new harbour outside the existing one, the dredging of the sea bed to make it accessible to larger boats, the improvement of berthing facilities and the construction of a new slipway A start date for the construction process has not yet been agreed but the overhaul will include the area of the existing harbour, extending north to Kellys Rock and seaward beyond the existing East Pier. The old harbour will be reworked for use by smaller boats and by pleasure craft. There is speculation that a new marina of 138 berths may also be constructed, though a spokesperson for the Department said that details of the proposed plan could not yet be released.

177

Munster Express, 12 August 2005

th

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4.11

Nature Reserves

The following nature reserves lie within the survey region Baldoyle Estuary The reserve is rated as of international importance for Brent Geese. It covers an area of 203 hectares and is located in a tidal bay situated North East of Dublin city. This reserve was established in September, 1988. North Bull Island The North Bull Island reserve covers an area of 1,436 hectares. It is largely State owned, with just 118 hectares of the reserve being privately owned. Located in the Northern part of Dublin Bay, Bull Island is covered with sand dunes. An extensive salt marsh lies to the North-West and at extreme low tides there are extensive mud flats between the island and the mainland. Bull Island is of international scientific importance for Brent Geese. The reserve is also of importance on botanical, ornithological, zoological and geomorphological grounds. This reserve was established in September, 1988. Rogerstown Estuary: This nature reserve covers an area of 196 hectares in North County Dublin. It is a site of international importance for Brent Geese. It was established in April, 1988 and is State owned. The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve: This reserve covers an area of 194 hectares. It is situated on the sloblands North of Wexford Harbour. Jointly owned by the National Parks & Wildlife Service 178 and by the Irish Wildbird Conservancy 179, it forms a wintering ground of international importance for a number of migratory waterfowl species. The Greenland white-fronted goose is an important visitor to this site. This reserve was established in June, 1981.

178 179

www.npws.ie www.birdwatchireland.ie/dotnetnuke/AboutUs/tabid/72/Default.aspx

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4.12

Ports and Harbours Waste Management

Waste management is an issue of concern in many of the ports and harbours within the survey region. A report, undertaken in 2001 180, outlines how litter and waste are managed within the ports and harbours of the survey region. This is detailed below
Table 18: Port Waste Management Status (2001)

Port or Harbour Balbriggan Skerries

Waste Management Status Dumping of all sorts is common and waste management is not practised. There are no litter bins in the harbour. Since a clean up was undertaken in 2000, the inter-tidal area has once more become dotted with rubbish. Litter was also present along the water. Fish offal problems in the harbour have been ongoing. Waste management is appalling in this area. Sewage enters behind the harbour and into the beach. The harbour was strewn with small waste (net ends, fish heads etc.) and old engine parts on all three visits. The pier surface and intertidal area were part clean / part moderately littered on both visits. The solitary bin is not sufficient for this harbour. There are no waste management facilities at Rogerstown Harbour. There are no facilities in the marina for waste oil, paints / solvents or recyclable materials. There were several areas of water with oil / frothy scum and / or litter, both inside and outside the harbour at the time of both visits. Despite the free collection of waste, some dumping is occurring in corners and into the water. There was considerable oil on the water at all three visits. The harbours oil reception facilities were locked away and not bunded. The earth around the old oil containers is contaminated. The piers and landscaped grounds are clean and attractive. The marina has separate waste management and is very clean with in house waste reception. Waste is taken care of by the club. There is very little oil here. The club areas and slipways were very clean on both visits. The beach beside the club has a frequent waste problem with marine litter dumped by the tides Some construction waste and rubble exists under the jetty. Otherwise, there is good maintenance and co operation between the club and the local authority. Litter here tends to consist of items washed down the river or out of Dublin Port.

Loughshinny

Rush Rogerstown Malahide

Howth

Sutton (Dinghy Club)

Clontarf

Poolbeg

180

Clean Seas Project Harbour Survey Report (Ireland), Karin Dubsky and Avril Tierney. Maritime Ireland / Wales Interreg Report No 10. December 2001

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Port or Harbour Grand Canal Docks

Waste Management Status

The landowner, the OPW Inland Waterways does not manage the waste facilities here. Facilities for hazardous wastes such as paints are inadequate. Dn Laoghaire The harbour water quality is now excellent and is a showcase of what a busy harbour can achieve. However, the weakest spot in the harbour is the industrial site beside the main sewage pumping station. Here, ONeils Oil and the scrap yard pose a serious pollution hazard. Sandycove In summer, high visitor pressure results in a lot of litter at Sandycove. Dog fouling is also a problem. The bins in place are not adequate and are not emptied regularly enough in summer. Bulloch The harbour is owned but not loved by Dublin Port. Pristine new toilets Harbour are located in the pump house behind the harbour. However, there is no access to these and harbour users have to use an area behind the rocks. Coliemore Sewage is bubbling out of the pier wall and there are real water quality Harbour problems. The only toilet that exists has distinct historical, but little user value. Bray At the time of visit, dumping was evident on the North of the river. Burning of rubbish was also evident. Greystones Recent secondary sewage treatment has greatly improved water quality in the area. Basic waste reception facilities were present here, but the litter bins and toilets were found to be in a poor condition. Wicklow The pier of the South Harbour was very clean at the time of visit. Harbour There are good recycling facilities but problems with fish offal remain. The South quay is in particular need of a cleaning. A large piped outflow was found to be polluted. Arklow Harbour The South side is generally well kept. The main source of problem waste is the large boatyard. There are no segregated waste facilities here. On the North side, a mix of demolition waste and opportunistic dumping from land and new construction waste causes difficulties Some waste is produced by a small industrial unit at the gate with some accumulation of scrap metal. Bins are well maintained. There is a major problem with sewage discharging into the harbour, but a new sewage treatment plant is due to be completed by next year (2002) There are no waste facilities or public toilets here. Waste management is diffuse, depends on too many bodies and is totally inadequate. Sewage is still a major problem, but plans for treatment are almost complete. Fishermen have no waste management facilities of any kind. The main port boat area looks messy with scrap in heaps and oily patches. Waste management facilities are lacking with only one small litter bin (overflowing on both visits). The effluent from the toilets is not treated. Some of the best clan up and waste management can be found at

Arklow Cement Roadstone Courtown Harbour Cahore Harbour Wexford Harbour Rosslare Harbour Carne Harbour Kilmore Quay

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Port or Harbour

Waste Management Status Kilmore Quay. Excellent covered cradle bins are installed at this harbour and are maintained to a high level of cleanliness. Extensive solid waste was seen on the harbour shore including tyres, boxes and other rubbish. The one litter bin was overflowing and obviously inadequate. Some solid waste was seen on the shore. Fresh fish offal was observed washed up on the shore and floating in the harbour. The old disused icehouse is littered Raw sewage discharges from a pipe along the harbour wall. The working areas of the harbour are generally very clean. Some old net heaps and large waste was evident around both piers. There are a number of disused boats and derelict buildings around the harbour. Sewage pollution problems have worsened in recent years as the area becomes more built up. This historic harbour is neglected, with serious danger of losing a pier wall. The foremost problem in the harbour is the raw sewage and lack of overall management and repair. Waste management is carried out jointly by the harbour and by the town The harbour and surrounding areas have been nicely landscaped. However, a general clean up of the harbour is badly needed. Some dumping of construction waste has occurred and derelict vessels are abandoned in and near the harbour. Some patches of litter were also found and oil and paint residues were obvious in the harbour. Pieces of abandoned nets, ropes and other equipment are washed up on the intertidal area. There are some intertidal waste problems and a serious sewage problem. The recycling bank is well laid out, but is hidden from ferry traffic, which could make use of it. Net heaps have been increasing recently. A massive improvement at Dunmore East from the waste situation two years ago. The facilities are now well used. Some dumping of gear has occurred. The scrap storage facilities are not yet replaced. Nets are kept in storage bags and boxes. The foremost problem in this harbour is town sewage. The discharge from the adjacent sewage pump causes frequent sewage pollution and foul smells.

Fethard on Sea Slade Harbour

Duncannon Harbour Arthurstown

Ballyhack Harbour New Ross Cheekpoint Harbour

Passage East

Dunmore East

Tramore

Source: Clean seas project harbour survey report (Ireland), Karin Dubsky and Avril Tierney. Maritime Ireland / Wales Interreg Report No 10. December 2001

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4.13

Proposed New Developments

The Marine Institutes Investment Programme (2000 2006) for the water based tourism and leisure sector in Ireland 181 has identified the following sites as having potential for marine development Primary Sites Wicklow Arklow Courtown Dunmore East and Helvick Secondary Sites Balbriggan Coliemore Cahore Rosslare Fethard Duncannon and Bunmahon The following developments are taking place within the survey region New marina developments at Dn Laoghaire, Greystones and Dunmore East (see new marina developments). Development of a beach boardwalk and new coastal protection at Killiney. This will facilitate access to the beach by the disabled.

Investment Programme (2000 2006) for the Water Based Tourism and Leisure Sector in Ireland the Marine Institute

181

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4.14

Sailing

The sailing industry in Ireland is regarded as underdeveloped, fragmentary and small scale. The seasonal impacts of weather on the industry are considered a restraint to its development as a full time profitable activity 182. Yacht Club Membership 53 sailing clubs in Ireland are full members of the Irish Sailing Association (ISA). In 2005, these had a membership of 22,000. 24 ISA sailing clubs lie within the Fingal to Waterford region. The location of these clubs is shown in Appendix A2. In 2005, these clubs have a membership of 13,000. Sail Training In 2004, Irish Sailing Association (ISA) sail training courses were attended by over 10,000 sailors The mix of courses given by ISA members for 2004 are detailed below.
Table 19: Sailing Courses provided by the ISA (2004)

Course Type Percentage Sail boats Dinghies, keelboats and catamarans 63% Cruising 10% Power boats Open powerboats 19% Inland powerboats 2% Other Windsurfing 6%
Source: Irish Sailing Association (ISA)

Challenges facing Irish Sailing 183 include Encouraging sailors to sail past the age of 18 How can young sailors be encouraged to sail when they are no longer funded by their parents? How can sailing better compete with other sports? Broadening the appeal of sailing as a life long sport. The development of family programmes. The development of programmes for power boat users.

Assessment of Human Activity in the Coastal Zone, a Research Project Linking Ireland and Wales,; Maritime Ireland / Wales Interreg Report No 9. ; (December 2001) 183 Sailing, the Lifelong Sport, Irish Sailing Association, Strategic Plan (2004 2008)

182

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4.15

Water Quality

In 2004, a study 184 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that 75% of the beaches surveyed met National water quality criteria. Yet, water quality remains a concern in some of the beaches within the survey region. In 2005, the beach at Dollymount was awarded a Blue Flag, being the first Dublin City beach to achieve Blue Flag status. The new waste water plant at Ringsend has led to significant improvements in bathing water quality at Dollymount. Yet Portrane lost is Blue Flag status for 2005 as it did not meet EU values for faecal streptococci. Ardmore (County Waterford) failed EU guideline values for faecal streptococci and faecal coliform in 2003. Tramore failed EU guideline values for faecal coliform in 2004. In 2004, two bathing areas failed to comply with the National standard for faecal coliform. These were Balbriggan and Dunmore East Main Strand. Other bathing areas which did not meet the national standard for faecal streptococci were.
Table 20: Beaches not Meeting the National Standard for Faecal Streptococci

County Beaches not Meeting the National Standard for Faecal Council Streptococci Dublin - Fingal Balbriggan, Loughshinny, Skerries, Sutton Burrow Beach, Rush South Beach and Portmarnock Dublin City Sandymount and Merrion Strand Wicklow Wexford Waterford Bray beach Rosslare Strand Dunmore East (Main Strand) & Tramore

Source: Environmental Protection Agency, Bathing Water Quality in Ireland Report (2004)

184

EPA, National Water Quality in Ireland Report for 2004 www.epa.ie

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Those beaches within the ISMS survey area which failed to meet bathing water quality are detailed below.
Table 21: Seawater Bathing Areas which Failed Guide and / or Mandatory EU directive limit values (2004)

County Council Beach Dublin Fingal Balbriggan

Dublin City Wicklow Wexford Waterford

Parameter not meeting limit value Faecal coliforms Total coliforms Portrane Faecal streptococci Skerries Total coliforms Loughshinny Faecal coliforms Rush South Beach Faecal coliforms Sutton Burrow Beach Faecal coliforms Sandymount Strand Faecal coliforms Merrion Strand Faecal coliforms Bray Beach Faecal coliforms Rosslare Strand Faecal streptococci Dunmore East Faecal streptococci (Main Strand) Tramore Faecal streptococci

Source: Environmental Protection Agency, Bathing Water Quality in Ireland Report (2004)

4.16

Wastewater Treatment: Investment Yields a Return

The commissioning of a new wastewater treatment plant at Ringsend in Dublin has significantly reduced the quantity of untreated sewage entering Dublin Bay. A new pumping station was built in Sutton in 2003 to intercept wastewater from North Dublin and pump it to the Ringsend plant. Previously, this wastewater was discharged, untreated into the sea off Howth185. The Department of the Environment are currently constructing a new 23 m wastewater treatment plant at Barnageeragh 186. This new facility is being constructed by a private contractor for Fingal County Council under a design, build & operate contract. This facility will serve Balbriggan and Skerries.

185 186

EPA, National Water Quality in Ireland Report for 2004. Press Release Dated 10/5/2005 www.environ.ie

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4.17

Windsurfing

Key windsurfing locations within the ISMS Survey Region are as follows.
Table 22: Windsurfing Locations within the ISMS Survey Region

Location County Skerries Dublin Fingal Rush Dublin Fingal Malahide Dublin Fingal Sutton Dublin Fingal Grand Canal Basin / Ringsend Dublin City Monkstown / Salthill Dn Laoghaire Rathdown Lacken Wicklow Duncannon Wexford Tramore Waterford Woodstown Waterford Source: http://www.windsurfing.ie/resources/locations.html

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5
5.1

Economic Impacts of Marinas in the East and South East of Ireland

Case Study Overview

Three marinas were selected by the Irish Sea Marine Sector (ISMS) in order to provide an illustration of the impacts of marinas on their surrounding areas and on the economy as a whole. Each marina is different in origin and management. The marinas selected for analysis / case study were. Malahide Marina 187 - the longest established of the marinas, owned and managed by the private sector, within the Malahide Estuary. Dn Laoghaire Marina 188 established by the private sector within the harbour at Dn Laoghaire. Kilmore Quay Marina 189 owned and operated by Wexford County Council within a fishing harbour. Case study materials were prepared with the assistance of marina staff, and were supplemented by four surveys as follows. A telephone survey of local businesses in the immediate catchments of the three case study marinas. A telephone survey of regional businesses to establish the effect of a marina on the regional economy. A survey of expenditure by visiting yacht crews was carried out in the summer of 2005 by the Irish Marine Federation (IMF). A survey of annual expenditure by berth holders in the three case study marinas. In addition, the following surveys were undertaken. A telephone survey of regional marine leisure and marine leisure businesses in the East of Ireland. An estate agent survey was undertaken to identify changes in house price value associated with the development of marine leisure infrastructure. Consultations were held with County Council staff, with marina managers, with some marine leisure businesses and with sections of the Department of Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources to identify and clarify spatial issues and impediments to the development of the Irish marine industry.

187 188

www.malahidemarina.net www.dlmarina.com 189 www.wexford.ie/kilmore

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5.2
5.2.1 Location:
192

Case Study One - Dn Laoghaire Marina

Marina Overview 53o18.40 N 06o07.00 W 191

190

Dn Laoghaire has a long tradition of sailing and sailing clubs with all four harbour clubs having predated the marina by a considerable period. The first sailing club was established at Dn Laoghaire in the 1830s 193. Prior to the development of the marina, facilities for yacht and boat clubs consisted of swinging moorings within the harbour, with slipways and on shore facilities and hard standing. A number of marine businesses have traditionally been based around the harbour area to service the harbours fishing and leisure fleets. Situated on the South side of Dublin Bay, Dn Laoghaire Marina is the largest marina in Ireland, accommodating 510 fully secure and serviced berths. The marina is well sheltered by two internal breakwaters within the main harbour which is exposed during North-Easterly winds. Key marina facts include The Dn Laoghaire Marina was opened on St Patricks Day in 2001. It operates as a private venture within the public harbour at Dn Laoghaire. It is owned and operated by Marina Marketing and Management Ltd. trading as Dn Laoghaire Marina. The marina cost 7.62 million (IR6. million) to construct. The new extension to the marina is costed at a further 3 million. The marina has a total of 510 berths, all on annual contracts. The approximate breakdown of sailing craft to powered craft in the marina is 3:1. Occupancy rates are 99.5%. A further 240 berths will open in 2007. Currently, there is a waiting list of 100 customers wanting to obtain a berth. Under the terms of its lease from the Harbour Company, fifty marina spaces are reserved for visitors. In 2004, 814 boats visited the Dn Laoghaire marina. Just under half of these were visiting from a home port in Ireland, around a third were from mainland UK ports and the remainder were mainly from France, Germany and Norway. Less than 5% were from further destinations such as the USA. The number of visiting boats varies each year but 2004 visitor figures were down on 2002 and 2003 when some 1,200 boats visited.

www.dlmarina.com Afloat / Reeds Irish Sailing Almanac (2004) 192 Dn Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club, Royal St. George Yacht Club and the National Yacht Club 193 The Kingstown Boat Club, from which the Royal St. George Yacht Club evolved, was founded in 1838 by a small group of boating enthusiasts
191

190

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Prior to the opening of the marina there were approximately 450 boats on swinging moorings in Dn Laoghaire. There are now an estimated 510 in the marina with a further 400 on swinging moorings. The marina extension will add a further 240 boats. The majority of the additional boats have been purchased new (marina management believe this is circa 100 new boats brought in since the marina opened) or second-hand to be placed in the marina rather than being displaced from other venues in the Dublin Bay area. During the same period there has also been an expansion in available berths elsewhere including Poolbeg and Dublin marinas. The marina has an annual operating cost in the region of 1.5 million and annual revenues from boats of circa 2.5 million. The marina is profitable requiring no public subsidy beyond the maintenance of the outer wall of Dn Laoghaire harbour and the maintenance of a dredged channel. The marina pays a lease to the Dn Laoghaire Harbour Company each year with a proportion of the lease based on the number of berths. 5.2.2 Marina Businesses at Dn Laoghaire

Under Harbour Bye-Laws 194, the Dn Laoghaire marina is not permitted to allow businesses to trade from its premises. Businesses can operate from premises in the harbour but need to obtain permission from both the marina and the harbour authority. The following businesses seem most closely associated with the marina and appear to draw trade from berth holders there.
Table 23: Businesses Associated with the Dn Laoghaire Marina

Business Name BJ Marine Ltd Craig Blackwell Downer Sails Dn Laoghaire Sail Training MGM Boats Sea Craft ( Bray) Waterline Refinishings Yacht Deliveries
Source: TDI Survey Data

Business Sector New and used boat sales Yacht maintenance Sails and chandlery Sail training New and used boat sales Sail training Repairs Yacht delivery

Website www.bjmarine.net www.downerint.com www.mgmboats.com www.seacraft.ie

194

Bye-Law Number 90

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5.2.3

Berth Holder Expenditure at Dn Laoghaire Marina

Berth holders at the Dn Laoghaire marina were surveyed as part of the ISMS study. Their annual expenditure on items such as maintenance, chandlery, fuel, personal protective equipment (PPE), clothing, insurance, training and marina berthing fees averaged 11,011. Around a third of this is paid in marina fees. The balance is spent on other marine products and services Using a multiplier of 1.4, the secondary benefits of this expenditure, are an additional 2.288 million per annum. Dn Laoghaire berth holders identified that their annual expenditure was on average 75% to local businesses, 20% within Ireland and 5% in the UK or overseas. Displacement needs to be considered in relation to the benefits of Dn Laoghaire marina i.e. did the new marina displace boats and spending from elsewhere? The berth holder survey estimates that 6% of berth holders at Dn Laoghaire had previously kept a boat elsewhere. Thus, total berth holder expenditure needs to be discounted by 6%. The total estimated value (including secondary benefits 195) of berth holder expenditure at the Dn Laoghaire Marina is detailed below.
Table 24: Estimated Berth Holder Expenditure at the Dn Laoghaire Marina

Number of Annual Expenditure / Total Estimated Net of Berths Berth Annual Expenditure Displacement 510 11,011 5,615,610 5,278,673 Of which Marina Fees Other Services Secondary Benefits Total annual benefits
Source: TDI Survey Data

1,804,380 3,811,230 2,246,244 7,861,854 2,111,469 7,390,143

195

Using a tourism multiplier of 1.4

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5.2.4

Catchment Area of the Dn Laoghaire Marina

The catchment area for the berth holders of the Dn Laoghaire marina was found by survey to be as follows.
Table 25: Catchment Area for the Dn Laoghaire Marina

Residence of Berth holder Percentage Residents of Dn Laoghaire 40% Residents of Dn Laoghaire catchment area 55% Outside the Dn Laoghaire catchment area 5%
Source: TDI Survey Data

5.2.5

Boat Sales at Dn Laoghaire

The ISMS survey found that On average, boats berthed in Dn Laoghaire marina had been in Dn Laoghaire or in the Dn Laoghaire marina for an average of two years (the range varied from three months to nine years). 94% of survey respondents said they had never kept a boat anywhere but at Dn Laoghaire. This means that the development of the Dn Laoghaire marina displaced few boats (and therefore benefits) from elsewhere. People keeping their boats in Dn Laoghaire tend to update their boat every 6 to 8 years 60% source their replacement from the UK or from overseas. 40% source their replacement from Ireland. 70% of replacement boats are second hand. It can be estimated therefore, that one in seven of the boats in the Dn Laoghaire marina are replaced each year. The breakdown of these boats is detailed below.
Table 26: A Breakdown of Boat Sales in the Dn Laoghaire Marina (2004)

Criteria Number of boats in the Marina Estimated number of boats changed each year Estimated number of boats purchased in the UK or overseas Estimated number of boats purchased in Ireland Estimated number of new boats purchased each year Estimated number of second hand boats purchased each year
Source: TDI Survey Data

Number 520 74 45 29 22 52

Based on the experience gained during the initial building of the marina, the 240 new berths may stimulate the sale of at least 40 new boats At over 100,000 each, the marina extension may lead to local boat sales of 4 million.

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5.2.6

The Value of Marina Visitors at Dn Laoghaire

Dn Laoghaire marina keeps fifty berths open for visitors. In 2004, 814 boats visited the Dn Laoghaire marina. Just under half of these were visiting from a home port in Ireland, around a third were from mainland UK ports and the remainder were from France, Germany, Norway and other counties. Less than 5% were from further destinations such as the USA. The number of visiting boats varies each year. 2004 visitor figures were down on 2002 and 2003 when some 1,200 boats visited. A survey 196 of visiting boats to Dn Laoghaire found that average expenditure per boat visit was 142 and that average expenditure per boat night was 73. The survey for this report recorded boat crew expenditure on groceries, gifts, chandlery entertainment and eating out, but not expenditure on other services such as repairs etc. This is similar to visitor spend at Cahersiveen on the West coast (144 per boat visit) and is consistent with expenditures found during the survey conducted by the Marine Institute in 1998. A multiplier may then be used to reflect the cycling of this tourism expenditure in the local economy (1.4) with a total estimated benefit to the area from visiting yachts of around 161,823 each year.
Table 27: Estimated Visitor Spend at the Dn Laoghaire Marina (2004)

Criteria Value Average expenditure per boat visit 142 Number of boats who visited the Dn Laoghaire marina 814 in 2004 Total visitor expenditure 115,588 Secondary benefits 46,235 Total annual economic benefit of boats / yachts 161,823 visiting the Dn Laoghaire marina
Source: TDI Survey Data

196

TDI Survey Data (2005)

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5.2.7

The Effect of the Dn Laoghaire Marina on Local Businesses

Forty businesses in Dn Laoghaire were surveyed to establish the impact of the marina on their businesses. The types of businesses surveyed are detailed below.
Table 28: Types of Businesses Surveyed in Dn Laoghaire

Business Type Percentage Retail 27% Pubs, Cafs, Restaurants 18% Hotel and other Accommodation 8% Marine Related Services 5% Other Businesses 42%
Source: TDI Survey Data

Twenty nine of these had been in existence prior to the opening of the marina. Eleven businesses were established after the marina opened. The main reasons for establishing the businesses were Positive economic circumstances. Market demand. The climate was right Good location. The marina was not spontaneously mentioned by those surveyed as a reason for developing a business in Dn Laoghaire. From a marine leisure perspective, the businesses surveyed felt that the main strengths of Dn Laoghaire are The marina and yacht clubs. The promenade with its panoramic views. The range of pubs, restaurants, accommodation and shops.

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The effect that the marina had on the businesses surveyed is detailed below.
Table 29: The Effect of the Dn Laoghaire Marina on Local Businesses

Effect of Marina on Dn Laoghaire Businesses Business has increased The marina has improved the quality of life No effect on business / No known effect on business Business has grown as a result of the marina Business has not grown as a result of the marina Local business has increased as a result of the marina Domestic (Irish) business has increased as a result of the marina Foreign business has increased as a result of the marina Amount of extra business income generated by Dn Laoghaire businesses who had experienced a positive effect of the marina development
Source: TDI Survey Data

Percentage 34% 16% 50%

33% 67% 32% 37% 40% 8%

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5.2.8

Improving the Marine Leisure Product at Dn Laoghaire

The businesses surveyed felt that the marine leisure product potential in Dn Laoghaire could be improved through the provision of. Better public access to the water, More family entertainment attractions, parking and changing facilities, More parks and open spaces and Community sailing courses. The main obstacles to progress were stated as Too many local begrudgers A lack of car parking and Commercial greed amongst wealthy developers. Other comments and suggestions from local businesses included The development of a wider marina zone to include cafs, bars shops etc., Ensuring that Dn Laoghaire is kept clean and Keeping development to a minimum. 5.2.9 Social Benefits of the Marina at Dn Laoghaire

The social benefits of the marina mainly relate to the increased capacity for more people to become involved in boating and yachting. It is estimated that each boat in the marina supports boating activity by at least 6 people (family, crew, friends etc.) for some part of the year and therefore the marina facilitates participation in water sport by over 3,500 people. Whilst the marina does not host events itself, it facilitates wider participation in Dn Laoghaire events through the provision of accessible berths. The marina has enabled a wider range of people, including older people, people with disabilities and some less active men and women to get involved in sailing. It is far easier for such sailors to access their boat from a marina pontoon than from a swing mooring.

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5.2.10

Summary of the Benefits of the Dn Laoghaire Marina

A summary of the benefits of the Dn Laoghaire Marina include The marina facilitates participation in water sport by over 3,500 people. The marina supports marine events in the wider Dn Laoghaire area Since the marina has opened, over 100 boats have been sold with an estimated value of 10 million Marina visitor expenditure is estimated to total 161,823 per year Berth holders spend an average 11,011 per boat per year totalling some 5.728 million per annum. Secondary benefits from this expenditure are estimated at 2.288 million per annum. The marina supports an estimated 160 full time jobs (FTE) 197.

197

Based on an estimate of 50,000 of expenditure supporting 1 full time equivalent (FTE) job

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5.3
5.3.1 Location:

Case Study Two Malahide Marina

Marina Overview 53o27.20 N 06o08.90 W 199

198

Malahide marina is situated on the East coast of Ireland, some 16 kilometres North of Dublin in the village of Malahide. It was established in 1992 as part of a property development. The marina and the associated marina apartments at Malahide changed the appearance and function of the shoreline and provided local amenities including a restaurant and a promenade. A small industrial estate adjoins the marina complex. Visiting boats to the marina enter the Malahide Estuary to access the marina via a marked channel. The marina has space for 350 boats and achieves occupancy of 78%. 53% of the boats in Malahide are motor boats with 47% sail. The fact that the marina is not full probably reflects perceptions about the difficulty of using the approach channel. On shore side, the marina has shower, changing and laundry facilities.

198 199

www.malahidemarina.net Afloat / Reeds Irish Sailing Almanac (2004)

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5.3.2

Marina Businesses at Malahide

The businesses based in the Malahide marina include.

Table 30: Businesses Associated with the Malahide Marina

Business BJ Marine 200 Carrickcraft Curves Gym DMG Sailsports Euro Homes Fragrance Boutique Safewater Marine Sea Safari Whitewater Marine

Sector Boat Sales Chandlery & Boat Sales Health and fitness for women Powerboat, Windsurfing School, Sailing Tuition The Overseas Property Centre Candle factory and shop Boat commissioning and shrink-wrap Thrill ride around Dublin bay and surrounding areas Volvo agent and Suzuki distributor

Website
www.bjmarine.net www.carrickcraft.com www.curves.com www.dmgsailsports.com

www.eurohomes.ie www.fragrance-boutique.com

www.seasafari.ie/ www.suzukimarine.ie/whitewatermarine.htm

Source: TDI Survey Data

The marina has a full service boatyard with hard standing space for 180 boats. It has a thirty tonne mobile hoist and a twenty tonne hydraulic boat mover 201. During 2005/6, the marina hosted an on-the-water boat show and a second hand boat show.

200 201

In March 2006, BJ Marine replaced O Sullivan Marine www.sailireland.com/malahide1.htm

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5.3.3

Berth Holder Expenditure at Malahide

The estimated total expenditure by berth holders in the Malahide marina is estimated to be 2.125 million per annum. The secondary benefits (to the local economy) of this expenditure are estimated at 850,340 per annum. Average annual expenditure by berth holders in the Malahide marina was estimated by survey to be 7,787. This is spent on maintenance, chandlery, fuel, personal protective equipment (PPE), clothing, insurance, marina berthing fees and training. Marina berthing fees account for 29% of this. An estimate of displacement needs to be considered in relation to the Malahide Marina as 30% of berth holders reported that they had previously kept a boat in another location. The estimated breakdown of the berth holder expenditure (including displacement) at the Malahide marina for 2004 is detailed below.
Table 31: A Breakdown of Berth Holder Expenditure at the Malahide Marina (2004)

Number of Annual Expenditure / Total Estimated Net of 202 Berths Berth Annual Expenditure Displacement 273 7,787 2,125,851 1,488,096 Of which Marina Fees Other Services Secondary Benefits Total annual benefits
Source: TDI Survey Data

616,497 1,509,354 850,340 2,976,191 595,238 2,083,334

When surveyed, Malahide berth holders identified that their berthing expenditure was spent as follows 85% within the local area, 6% within Ireland and 9% from UK or overseas.

202

350 berths x 78% occupancy = 273 active berths

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5.3.4

Catchment Area of the Malahide Marina

The ISMS survey of berth holders at Malahide marina found that half of the berth holders lived within the bounds of Malahide. The average boat use at Malahide marina was found to be eighty days per year. On average those sampled had kept their boat in Malahide for seven and a half years with a range of three to ten years. Seven out of ten had not previously kept a boat anywhere else. The respondents to the ISMS survey stated that they changed their boats every five to six years, with 30% purchasing new boats 40% purchasing their boat within Ireland and The remainder purchasing their boat from the UK or overseas. 5.3.5 Boat Sales at Malahide

Boat owners in the Malahide marina tend to replace their boats every 5 to 6 years. The ISMS survey found that 60% of these purchase a replacement boat from the UK or overseas with 70% purchasing second hand. Based on 273 boats in the marina, an estimated annual replacement figure of 54 boats may be assumed with 32 of these being purchased from outside Ireland. Of the 22 purchased in Ireland 7 are likely to be new boats, each probably costing in excess of 100,000. The estimated annual boat sales at the Malahide marina are detailed below.
Table 32: Estimated Annual Boat Sales at the Malahide Marina

Criteria Number of active boats in the marina Estimated number of boats changed each year Estimated number of boats purchased in the UK or overseas Estimated number of boats purchased in Ireland Estimated number of new boats purchased each year Estimated number of second hand boats purchased each year
Source: TDI Survey Data

Number 273 54 32 22 16 38

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5.3.6

The Value of Marina Visitors at Malahide Marina

Malahide keeps fifty berths for visitors and had four hundred visiting boats in 2004. The average spend per boat visit was found by the ISMS survey to be 105. The total estimated value (including secondary benefits 203) of marina visitors to the Malahide marina is detailed below.
Table 33: Estimated Visitor Spend at the Malahide Marina (2004)

Criteria Average expenditure per boat visit Number of boats visiting Malahide marina in 2004 Total visitor expenditure Secondary benefits Total annual economic benefit of boats / yachts visiting the Malahide marina
Source: TDI Survey Data

Value 105 400 42,000 16,800 58,800

5.3.7

The Effect of the Malahide Marina on Local Businesses

Thirty seven local businesses were surveyed to ascertain the value of the Malahide marina. The types of businesses surveyed are detailed below.
Table 34: The Breakdown of Businesses Surveyed at Malahide

Business Type Percentage Retail 27% Pubs, Cafs, Restaurants 19% Hotels and other Accommodation 5% Marine Related Services 8% Other Businesses 41%
Source: TDI Survey Data

203

Using a tourism multiplier of 1.4

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The findings of the survey were. 49% of businesses had been in place before the marina opened with 51% opening after 1992 when the marina was established. The main reasons for establishment had been. Local demand for products and services (15 responses). A desire to be self-employed (9 responses) and Location (8 responses). Three businesses mentioned the marina as a key reason for the establishment of their business. The main strengths of Malahide as a marine leisure destination was considered to be Lots of things to do / outdoor activities (13 responses). Harbour/marina is a wonderful extension to the village (8 responses). Malahide is a quaint village (8 responses). Malahide has a good mix of restaurants, cafes and pubs (8 responses). Malahide castle (7 responses). A good range of shops (5 responses).

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The effect that the marina had on the businesses surveyed is detailed below
Table 35: The Effect of the Malahide Marina on Local Businesses

Effect of Marina on Malahide Businesses Percentage The Malahide marina has significantly enhanced the area 40% The marina has been very good for the village and has created a nice 22% ambience The marina apartments have provided a good residential base 14% and therefore a good spend in the area Short stay rental activity has affected my business 8% My business** has grown as a result of the marina Average growth in the above ** businesses attributable to Th e marina Percentage of business in the above ** businesses generated as a result of the marina My business has seen an increase in local trade as a result of the marina My business has seen an increase in domestic / Irish trade as a result of the marina My business has seen an increase in foreign trade as a result of the marina
Source: TDI Survey Data

34% 19% 15%

43% 49% 58%

5.3.7.1

The Effect of the Malahide Marina on Property Prices

As part of the ISMS study, a short survey of estate agents was undertaken, with particular relevance to Malahide. This showed that the apartments close to the marina at Malahide command a premium. This is borne out by research undertaken by the Sunday Times 204. A survey of twenty UK estate agencies specialising in homes in coastal and canal locations shows that properties with moorings are typically 30% more expensive than identical properties inland. Top quality homes without moorings but with uninterrupted estuary or river views have a 25% premium, while flats and houses at modern marinas, at lakesides or on the banks of canals attract 15% to 25% extra.

204

The Rush for Liquid Assets, The Sunday Times, March 26 2006

th

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5.3.8

Improving the Marine Leisure Product at Malahide

The businesses surveyed felt that the marine leisure product in Malahide could be improved by Encouraging more buzz i.e. cafes, restaurants, markets etc. (13 responses). The development of more family and community based water activities (9 responses). Developing walking and cycling paths. Improving parking and traffic (4 responses). Dredging the approaches to the marina (3 responses). The main obstacles to realising the potential of Malahide for marine leisure, as cited by those surveyed are Too many apartments (4 responses). Traffic congestion and a lack of parking (6 responses). The marina is too private and there are too many apartments (5 responses). A lack of realisation that Malahide is beautiful and has huge potential (4 responses). A lack of a vision for the village (4 responses). A need to encourage more community involvement. The marina is a bit dead (1 response). The need to encourage more bars and restaurants (5 responses). The exclusivity of the marina and the need for more community and family activities (4 responses) and addressing a lack of benches, more attention to litter and more parking. 5.3.9 Social Benefits of the Marina at Malahide

The social benefits from the marina at Malahide include easier access to the water and increased opportunities for boating in the area. The marina supports fourteen direct jobs, with a further thirty seven jobs provided by businesses on the marina site. The estimate for full time equivalent jobs (FTE) supported by the development of the Malahide marina 205 is sixty one.

205

Based on an expenditure of 50,000 supporting one full time equivalent job

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5.3.10

Summary of the Benefits of the Malahide Marina

A summary of the benefits of the Malahide Marina include. The marina at Malahide has increased opportunities for boating in the area. Visitor expenditure and its associated secondary benefits are estimated to total 58,800 per year Berth holders expenditure averages 7,787 per boat per year, generating a yearly receipt for marina related businesses of 2.12 million. Secondary benefits from this expenditure are estimated at 850,340 per annum. An estimated 61 full time jobs (FTE) are supported through expenditure at the Malahide marina. 34% of local businesses attribute 19% of the growth in their turnover to the development of the marina. Property values have increased.

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5.4
5.4.1 Location:

Case Study Three Kilmore Quay Marina

Marina Overview 53o10.25 N 06o35.15 W 207

206

Kilmore Quay marina was established by Wexford County Council in 1996 within the fishing harbour. Kilmore Quay was previously an occasional passage port for yachtsmen but was considered relatively difficult to access. There were also problems with yachts berthing alongside fishing boats. The marina provides 60 berths in well sheltered water and provides a useful addition to both those cruising around the South and East coast of Ireland and to those making passage to and from the South of England and the Scillies. In November 2005, the marina was full and had a waiting list of 34. Marina clients come from Dublin, Waterford, Tipperary and Kilkenny. 15 berths are kept for visitors. The marina receives the most visits of the three case study marinas at 1,100 boat visits per annum with 30% of visiting boats being from outside Ireland. The marina at Kilmore Quay has a different profile from the other two case studies in that it hosts ten charter angling boats and the Saltees Ferry. Marina management involves three full time and three part time jobs. These are shared with overall management of the harbour which is becoming less busy for fishing.

206 207

www.wexford.ie/kilmore Afloat / Reeds Irish Sailing Almanac (2004)

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5.4.2

Marina Businesses at Kilmore Quay

Kilmore Quay is a small quiet village with guest houses, a hotel, restaurants and pubs. There are several marine related businesses which have been supported by fishing in the past. As a result of the development of the marina, these have an increasing marine leisure component. The businesses which appear to have a beneficial relationship with the marina at Kilmore Quay include
Table 36: Businesses Associated with the Marina at Kilmore Quay

Business Arklow Slipway Ltd Greencastle Fish Exports Kilmore Cab Kilmore Pharmacy Hardware and Marine Supplies Haven Maritime Kehoes Pub The Islander Marindus Quay House Saltees Hotel Silver Fox Seafood Restaurant Wooden House Lodge
Source: TDI Survey Data

Business Type Website Boat Lift Fuel Supplies Taxi Pharmacy Chandlery Boat Storage, Survey, Brokerage Pub Seafood Restaurant Marine Engineers www.marindus.com Guest House Hotel Restaurant Pub

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5.4.3

Berth Holder Expenditure at Kilmore Quay

Based on a telephone survey of berth holders at Kilmore Quay, the average expenditure / boat / year was found to be 8,815 per annum. An estimate of displacement has to be considered in relation to the Kilmore Quay marina as 30% of berth holders reported that they had previously kept a boat in another location. The annual value of this expenditure is detailed below.
Table 37: A Breakdown of Berth Holder Expenditure at the Kilmore Quay Marina (2004)

Number of Annual Expenditure / Total Estimated Net of Berths 208 Berth Annual Expenditure Displacement 45 8,815 396,675 277,673 Of which Marina Fees Other Services Secondary Benefits Total Annual Benefits
Source: TDI Survey Data

63,468 333,207 158,670 555,345 111,069 388,742

Berth holders reported that this expenditure was spent as follows 80% in the local area. 16% elsewhere in Ireland and 4% with businesses in the UK or overseas. For Kilmore Quay berth holders only 16% of their expenditure was on the marina berth fee compared to 29% in Malahide and 32% in Dn Laoghaire. 5.4.4 Catchment Area of the Kilmore Quay Marina

Kilmore Quay marina clients come from Dublin, Waterford, Tipperary and Kilkenny.

208

Total number of berths: 60, of which 15 are kept for visitors to the marina

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5.4.5

Boat Sales at Kilmore Quay

Those with boats in the marina identify that they intend to replace their boats every 5/6 years with an implication therefore that there would be 9 boat changes each year with 4 of these being boats sourced from within Ireland. One of these sales is likely to be new boat at a potential value of over 100,000.
Table 38: Estimated Annual Boat Sales at the Kilmore Quay Marina

Criteria Number of active boats in the Marina Estimated number of boats changed each year Estimated number of boats purchased in the UK or overseas Estimated number of boats purchased in Ireland Estimated number of new boats purchased each year Estimated number of second hand boats purchased each year
Source: TDI Survey Data

Number 45 9 5 4 1 8

5.4.6

The Value of Marina Visitors at Kilmore Quay Marina

The visitor survey identified a higher spend per boat visit of 167 than in the other two case study marinas. With visitor numbers of 1,100 the total visitor expenditure per year is estimated at 183,700, mainly in the local area. Including the secondary effect of this expenditure within the local economy the total benefit from visitors to the marina is estimated at 257,180.
Table 39: Estimated Visitor Spend at the Kilmore Quay Marina (2004)

Criteria Average expenditure per boat visit Number of boats visiting the Kilmore Quay marina in 2004 Total visitor expenditure Secondary benefits Total annual economic benefit of boats / yachts visiting the Kilmore Quay marina
Source: TDI Survey Data

Value 167 1,100 183,700 73,480 257,180

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5.4.7

The Effect of the Kilmore Quay Marina on Local Businesses

Fifteen local businesses were surveyed to ascertain the value of the Kilmore Quay marina. The types of businesses surveyed are detailed below.
Table 40: Breakdown of Businesses Surveyed at Kilmore Quay

Business Type Percentage Retail 20% Pubs, Cafs, Restaurants 20% Hotels and Visitor Attractions 20% Marine Related Services 14% Fish Processing 13% Other Businesses 13%
Source: TDI Survey Data

The findings of the survey are 75% of businesses had been set up prior to the development of the marina in 1996. Two main reasons had led to the setting up of the businesses. Economic circumstances (7 responses) and Market demand (6 responses). 50% of the businesses surveyed had grown as a result of the marina with the others experiencing no change. The strengths of the marine leisure product in Kilmore Quay were believed to be: The uniqueness of marine wildlife and natural environment (8 responses). A good place for fishing both commercial and leisure (8 responses). A fine marina and harbour (7 responses). A good location for sailing and yachting (3 responses). 5.4.8 Improving the Marine Leisure Product at Kilmore Quay

Suggestions for improving Kilmore Quays marine leisure potential included. Further extending the marina (8 responses). Encouraging more restaurants, bars and cafes (5 responses). Better boat visitor facilities e.g. showers, toilets. Access to fuel (4 responses). Introduce more visitor activities e.g. whale watching (3 responses). More marketing of the region (3 responses). The obstacles to development cited by those surveyed include A lack of funding for future development (7 responses). Planning restrictions (4 responses).

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There is a strong local view that the marina should be extended (doubled in capacity) but this is difficult given the other uses of the harbour at present. Consideration has been given to a newly sited marina outside the harbour but there are no firm plans to build this at present. A local hotelier has plans to build a marina to the East of Kilmore Quay. 5.4.9 Social Benefits of the Marina at Kilmore Quay

The social benefits of the marina at Kilmore Quay include. Kilmore Quay is an ideal port of refuge for pleasure craft of all types and is a regular destination for cruising enthusiasts. The port is managed by Wexford County Council and is a model to all Local Authorities on how to develop such a resource. The development of the marina at Kilmore Quay shows that a busy fishing port and a thriving marina can co-exist in Irish small ports and harbours. The marina supports 16 full time jobs (FTE). 5.4.10 Summary of the Benefits of the Kilmore Quay Marina

A summary of the benefits of the Kilmore Quay marina include. The development by Wexford County Council of the marina at Kilmore Quay, County Wexford shows that the fishing and marine leisure sectors can be developed in tandem. It is estimated that visitors to the marina spend 257,180 per annum. This includes secondary benefits. It is estimated that berth holder expenditure in the area surrounding Kilmore Quay totals 388,742 per annum 209. An estimated 16 full time jobs (FTE) jobs are supported in the local area and region through marina expenditure. An average five boat sales per year are estimated to be associated with the marina at Kilmore Quay. One of these is a new boat purchase. 50% of businesses associated with the Kilmore Quay marina have seen a growth in their sales as a result of the marina.

209

This includes secondary benefits and is net of displacement

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5.5

The Impact of Marinas on the Regional Economy

The ISMS survey interviewed twenty six marine businesses on the East and South East coast of Ireland. These included sail makers, insurance providers, sail training, marine engineering and boat sale companies. The survey aim was to establish the impact of marinas on their business success and to ascertain their views on the development of the marine industry within the ISMS survey region. The businesses surveyed employed a total of 114 full time staff and between 12 and 25 part time staff; an average of five full time and one part time staff member per business. The issues raised by this those interviewed for this survey include. All but one of the businesses felt that there was little support for the marine leisure industry. The need to enhance and expand existing marinas (6 responses). The need for more marinas (5 responses). Poor planning and a lack of communication about planning issues (3 responses). The marine leisure sector was now being taken more seriously (5 responses). When asked what the impact of the marinas had on their businesses. 54% of the jobs in the companies surveyed were supported by expenditure related to marina based boats The companies interviewed stated that marina clients are estimated to represent 50% of their business. The largest expenditure items are marina berth and boat maintenance. On average, the ISMS survey found that 27% of berth holder expenditure is payable directly to the marina in berthing fees. These fees increase where a marina provides other services such as boat maintenance. 24% of berth holder expenditure is spent on boat maintenance. 49% of expenditure by marina berth holders is spent on other marine services, including insurance, chandlery, PPE210 / clothing and training companies.

210

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

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The estimated breakdown of the expenditure by berth holders at the three case study marinas 211 is detailed below.
Table 41: A Breakdown of Expenditure by Marina Berth Holders at the Case Study Marinas

Expenditure Item Percentage Marina Berths 27% Boat Maintenance 24% Insurance 15% Fuel 14% Chandlery 11% PPE and Specialist Clothing 8% Training 1%
Source: TDI Survey Data

As detailed below, a large percentage of marina berth holder expenditure stays in the local area Less than 10% of this expenditure is spent abroad.
Table 42: The Destination of Berth Holder Expenditure at the Case Study Marinas

Berth Holder Purchases Dn Laoghaire Malahide Kilmore Quay Made in Marina Marina Marina Local Area 75% 85% 80% Ireland 20% 6% 16% UK or Overseas 5% 9% 4%
Source: TDI Survey Data

211

Dn Laoghaire, Kilmore Quay & Malahide marinas

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A summary of the estimated economic impact of the three marinas surveyed is detailed in Table 43. This shows a total annual economic benefit (excluding boat sales) of 11.8 million, supporting 237 full time (FTE) jobs. This expenditure does not include yacht purchases. Based on ISMS survey data, combined annual boat sales at the three case study marinas are estimated at 136 boats. Fifty five of these are Irish sales, with the balance being imported. Ireland remains a net importer of new boats.
Table 43: The Estimated Economic Benefits (excluding boat sales) of the Case Study Marinas

Marina Marina Details

Dn Laoghaire 510 berths

Malahide 350 berths (78% occupancy) 273

Kilmore Quay 60 berths ( 15 visitor berths) 45

Case Study Marinas

Active Berths Berth Holder Direct Expenditure Maintenance Chandlery Fuel PPE and Clothing Insurance Marina Berth Training Total Direct Expenditure Boat Sales Visitor Spend Secondary Benefits
212

510 All figures are in 1,247,970 454,410 798,660 331,500 868,530 1,804,380 11,0160 5,615,610

374,010 226,590 282,555 177,450 419,055 618,891 27,300 2,125,851

124,065 65,250 63,000 35,370 42,570 64,620 1,800 396,675

1,746,045 746,250 1,144,215 544,320 1,330,155 2,487,891 139260 8,138,136

115,588

42,000

183,700

341,288

Berth Holder spend Visitor Spend Total Secondary Benefits Total Benefits 213 Estimated FTE Jobs Supported
Source: TDI Survey Data

2,246,244 46,235 2,292,479 8,023,677 160

850,340 16,800 867,140 3,034,991 61

158,670 73,480 232,150

3,255,254 136,515 3,391,769

812,525 11,871,194 16 237

Using a multiplier of 1.4 i.e. the visitor spend and berth holder spend are each multiplied by 0.4 to represent the benefits of the money cycling within the local economy. 213 Total Benefits = Bertholder Direct Expenditure + Visitor spend + Secondary expenditure

212

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5.6
5.6.1

The Economic Impact of Marinas on the East & South East Coast of Ireland
Berth Holder Expenditure

Expenditure by marina berth holders in the ISMS survey region contributes an economic benefit to the region of 20.78 million This is estimated using average figures derived from the marina case studies. The audit identified that there are currently a total of 1,508 berths in marinas in the study area. Based on the average annual berth holder expenditure derived from the surveys (9,843) an estimate of berth holder expenditure of 14.84 million can be made for the region as a whole. Using a multiplier of 1.4 the total economic benefit from berth holder expenditure within the ISMS region is estimated at 20.78 million. This is detailed below
Table 44: The Value of Existing Berth Holder Expenditure in the ISMS Survey Region

Number of Average Annual Berth Berth Holder Berths in Holder Expenditure in Expenditure in the ISMS ISMS Region Region 1,508 9,843 14,843,244 Estimated Secondary Benefits in 5,937,298 Estimated Total Economic Benefits in 20,780,542 from Berth Holder Expenditure in the ISMS Region Number of Full Time Jobs Supported by 416 Berth Holder Expenditure
Source: TDI Survey Data

New marina projects will increase the number of berths in the survey region by 545. This will raise the value of existing & new berth holder expenditure in the ISMS survey region economic benefits to 28.29 million (including secondary benefits).

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With the new marina projects in place, the number of full time jobs (FTE) supported by the berth holder expenditure will rise to 566. This is detailed below
Table 45: The Value of Existing & New Berth Holder Expenditure in the ISMS Survey Region

Number of New & Average Annual Berth Holder Berth Holder Existing Berths in Expenditure in Expenditure in the ISMS Region ISMS Region 2,053 9,843 20,207,679 Estimated Secondary Benefits in 8,083,072 Estimated Total Economic Benefits 28,290,751 in from Berth Holder Expenditure in the ISMS Region Number of Full Time Jobs (FTE) 566 Supported by Berth Holder Expenditure
Source: TDI Survey Data

When considering the region as a whole, it is assumed that that no displacement takes place, as the development of marina berths has predominantly been within the region. 5.6.2 Boat Sales

The estimate of the number of boat sales at the marinas within the ISMS survey region is outlined below.
Table 46: Estimated Annual Boat Sales at Marinas within the ISMS Survey Region

Item

Annual Boat Sales Irish Boat Sales Overseas Boat Sales New Boat Sales Second Hand Boat Sales

No of Boat Sales in Existing No of Boat Sales in Existing & Marinas within the ISMS New Marinas within the ISMS Survey Region Survey Region 238 322 95 143 28 210 128 194 38 284

Source: TDI Survey Data

New boat sales at marinas within the ISMS survey region currently support 56 full time jobs (FTE), rising to 76 with new marina capacity in place. Ireland remains a net importer of boats with an estimated 60% of Irish boat sales being sourced from outside Ireland. This reduces the benefits of boat sales to the Irish economy. The benefits of Irish boat sales (to the Irish economy) would be greater if boats were sourced from an Irish based boat manufacturing industry and if there was an encouragement to source boats, either new and second-hand, from within Ireland.

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5.6.3

VAT & Rates

Marinas and other regional marine businesses pay VAT to the Revenue Commissioners / Department of Finance and rates to County Councils.

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6
6.1

Population & Tourism within the ISMS Survey Region

The Irish Population and Workforce

In 2006, the Irish population was 4,239,848 as detailed below

Table 47: The Irish Population (2006)

Province, County, Irish Population 2006 City or Country Republic of Ireland Males Females Total Persons Population No: 2,121,171 2,118,677 4,239,848
Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO), Census 2006

53% of this population lives within the ISMS survey region as detailed in table 48 50
Table 48: The Irish Population within the ISMS Survey Region (2006)

Area

Males

Females

Total Persons 1,553,080 708,221 2,261,301 53.33%

Survey Totals 765,464 787,616 Fringe Totals 359,311 348,910 Total 1,124,775 1,136,526 Percentage of Total 53.03% 53.64%
Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO), Census 2006

Table 49: The Irish Population within the Core ISMS Survey Region (2006)

Province, County or City 2006 Census Data Core ISMS Survey Region Males Females Total Persons Fingal Dublin City Dn Laoghaire-Rathdown South Dublin Wicklow Wexford Waterford City Waterford County ISMS Survey Region Dublin Totals Dublin as a Percentage of National 119,200 248,087 92,899 122,371 62,905 66,070 22,622 31,310 765,4564 582,557 27.46% 120,792 258,124 101,139 124,564 63,289 65,679 23,126 30,903 787,616 604,619 28.54% 239,992 506,211 194,038 246,935 126,194 131,749 45,748 62,213 1,553,080 1,187,176 28.00%

Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO) Census 2006

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Table 50: The Irish Population within the Fringe ISMS Survey Region (2006)

Province, County or City 2006 Census Data Fringe ISMS Survey Region Males Females Total Persons Carlow Kildare Kilkenny Laois Meath Offaly South Tipperary Totals 25,611 94,190 44,263 34,409 82,651 35,937 42,250 359,311 24,738 92,145 43,295 32,650 80,180 34,931 40,971 348,910 50,349 186,335 87,558 67,059 162,831 70,868 83,221 708,221

Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO), Census 2006

By 2030, the Irish population is estimated by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to grow to 4,749,000214
Table 51: Projected Growth of the Irish Population to 2030

Year 2010 - All Persons 2015 - All Persons 2020 - All Persons 2025 - All Persons 2030 - All Persons

All Ages 4,214,000 4,391,000 4,536,000 4,651,000 4,749,000

Source: CSO Method - M1F1 - 1996 Based

A breakdown of the Irish working population by employment type is detailed below

Table 52: A Breakdown of the Irish Working Population by Employment Type (2002)

Employee Type Number Percentage Farming, Fishing and Forestry Workers 96,279 5.41% Manufacturing Workers 225,020 12.64% Building and Construction Workers 136,698 7.68% Clerical, Managing and Government Workers 318,565 17.90% Communication and Transport Workers 102,444 5.76% Sales and Commerce Workers 239,915 13.48% Professional, Technical and Health Workers 293,794 16.51% Service Workers 170,578 9.58% Other Workers 196,493 11.04% Total Workforce 1,779,786 100.00% Source: Central Statistics Office Census 2002 www.cso.ie

214

www.cso.ie

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6.2 Tourist / Visitor Data for the Republic of Ireland (2006)

A breakdown of the tourist traffic into Ireland for 2006 is detailed in table 53 below. In 2006, the average tourist spend was 690 215.
Table 53: Tourist / Visitor Data for the Republic of Ireland (2006)

Route Type All Routes Q1 All Routes Q2 All Routes Q3 All Routes Q4 Totals Air Cross Channel Q1 Air Cross Channel Q2 Air Cross Channel Q4 Totals Sea Cross Channel Q1 Sea Cross Channel Q2 Sea Cross Channel Q3 Sea Cross Channel Q4 Totals Continental Europe Q1 Continental Europe Q2 Continental Europe Q3 Continental Europe Q4 Totals Transatlantic Q1 Transatlantic Q2 Transatlantic Q3 Transatlantic Q4 Totals Other
Source: CSO www.cso.ie

Number of Visitors to Ireland (Thousand) 1,390 2,112 2,506 1,701 7,709 839 1,029 912 2,780 116 289 418 160 983 338 607 730 506 2,181 96 188 238 123 645 1,120

215

Source: CSO www.cso.ie

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The number of bed nights spent in Ireland by the tourists on each of the above route types is shown below.
Table 54: Average Bed Nights Spent in Ireland by Tourist Route Type (2004)

Route used by tourist to travel to Ireland Average Length of Stay by Tourist to Ireland in Nights (2004) All Routes Air Cross Channel Sea Cross Channel Continental Europe Transatlantic
Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO)

7.5 5.7 7.7 10.5 9.9 www.cso.ie

6.3

Marine Leisure & Irish Tourism Markets

An audit of the Irish tourism product undertaken on behalf of Filte Ireland has shown that Ireland needs to catch up with its European Union (EU) competitors on its core tourism products including marine sports. From a tourism perspective, the marine sector has not yet fully exploited its full potential 216 . Information is provided below on key marine tourist products include angling, inland cruising and sailing.a 6.3.1 Angling Tourism 217

In 2006, Ireland was attracting 103,000 overseas anglers compared to 173,000 in 1999. This decline has been caused by a combination of factors, many of which were outside the control of the industry. These include Changing angling trends in the UK. Increased competition. Reduced water quality. A decline in fish stocks. Inadequate and poorly targeted marketing investment. Lack of co ordination and poor information provision. However, expenditure by overseas anglers in Ireland is estimated at 66 million, with the average spend per angler well above that of general visitors. The Filte Ireland vision for success for Irish angling tourism by 2009 sees. An improved quality and quantity of fishing in the country with improved stock levels.

216 217

Filte Ireland Tourism Product Development Strategy (2007 -2013) A new strategy for Irish Angling Tourism; Filte Ireland / Central Fisheries Board

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Fishing locations within Ireland are easy to access for visitors with information readily available. The supply side of angling tourism is operating efficiently and commercially, exceeding consumer expectations and developing and leveraging synergies across sectors. Relevant agencies are working in a co ordinated manner to target and develop the angling sector. Ireland is established and recognised as a premium destination for angling tourists. The fishing environment is supportive of visiting anglers, with issues such as drift netting and the location of fish farms resolved. An extra 3 million in incremental funding has been sought to better market Irish angling tourism. 6.3.2
218

Sailing Tourism

From 2000 to 2005, the numbers of sailors visiting Ireland declined, with 9,000 sailors visiting Ireland in 2005.

A study of visiting sailors 219 at 12 Irish marinas 220 was undertaken on behalf of Filte Ireland from June September 2006. This found. The average length of sailing trip is 30 days. The average time spent sailing in Ireland was 15 days. 82% of those interviewed did not visit an Irish sailing website (either www.sailing.ie or www.sailingireland.com ). Overseas visitors spent 136 per boat per day while Irish visitors spent 367 per boat per day. The top five factors considered by visiting sailors were. The availability of good sailing grounds. The availability of weather reports. The availability of facilities such as shops, restaurants and pubs. The quality of the scenery and The availability of moorings & berths. The disadvantages most mentioned by visiting sailors were. Weather (47%). Facilities (37%). Cost (22%) and Distance between safe moorings (9%). Capacity was seen as the biggest issue facing the Irish marine sector. Only 56% of those surveyed were happy with the facilities on offer.

This number may be under reported due to the nature of the product Franklin Market Research / Filte Ireland Study (2006) 220 Howth, Salve Marina (Crosshaven), Dn Laoghaire, Kinsale YC, Arklow, Lawrence Cove (Bear Island, County Cork), Kilmore Quay, Cahersiveen, Crosshaven Boatyard, Dingle, Royal Cock YC (Crosshaven) and Kilrush
219

218

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This is further borne out by a report published by Filte Ireland which found that. The visitor marina network in Ireland is incomplete, particularly along the West and North-West coastline. There are no clear policies around planning and foreshore issues for marine tourism. 6.3.3 Inland Cruising 221

Since 2000, the Irish inland cruising market has declined by 20%, whilst tourism numbers have increased by 9% for the same period. Key markets for inland cruising are France, Britain, Germany, USA and the Netherlands. However as the inland cruising market falls outside the scope of the ISMS study it will not be discussed further. 6.3.4 Coastal Walks

The development of a nationwide network of looped walks has already commenced, involving clearly signposted accessible off public road pathways with stiles, footbridges etc as required over lengths of 5 to 12 kilometres. A Filte Ireland review has identified the priority themes for these walks to be Mountain, Nature, Coastal, Island and Heritage. It is a long term objective to generate a coastal walkway around the entire coastline of Ireland. Under this National Development Plan (NDP) [2007 2013] substantial progress can be achieved for key sections. Relevant local authorities are being provided with details on how this can be progressed and funded in their own coastal sections. 6.3.5 Other Products

The Filte Ireland Tourism Product Development Strategy (2007-2013) 222 states that. Modern public facilities in Ireland and services for visitors, linked to best practice in beach management, are not as high as the standards commonly seen abroad. There is a rather thin network of sailing, boating, watersports and dive centres. There are also very few marine or water-themed visitor centres, in key strategic locations. There is a major product gap in coastal walking routes. There are localised shortages of sea angling and small tourism vessels. Viewing points or vessels for whale and dolphin watching are poorly provided compared with our neighbouring competitors. 6.3.6. Beach Management

New and innovative approaches to beach management in major coastal counties will be encouraged by Filte Ireland. Any Blue Flag beach which is identified as a tourism

221 222

Inland Cruising Market Development Strategy; Filte Ireland www.failteireland.ie/Developing-Enterprises/Investment-Support/ProductDevelopmentStrategy.aspx

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priority may be eligible for funding for management, which may include elements such as dune and other sensitive area protection, access walkways, beachside clubhouse facilities for management plan compatible activities e.g. surfing etc. and in certain circumstances, car parking.

6.4

Access to the Sea within the ISMS Survey Region

More than fifty percent of the Irish population lives within the survey region. Those living within 10, 20 and 40 miles of key access points to the sea are detailed in table 55 below. These provide a key market for marine leisure products and services.
Table 55: Population by access point by distance within the ISMS Survey Region (2006)

Population residing within 10, 20 or 40 miles of the Access point to the sea within the ISMS survey region Access Point 10 miles 20 miles 40 miles Skerries 940,241 1,647,609 1,773,803 Malahide 940,241 1,647,609 1,773,803 Howth 940,241 1,662,536 1,773,803 Dublin City 1,187,176 1,662,536 1,773,803 Dn Laoghaire 1,313,370 1,662,536 1,773,803 Bray 320,232 1,313,370 1,773,803 Greystones 320,232 1,073,378 1,631,454 Wicklow 126,194 320,232 506,567 Brittas Bay 126,194 126,194 1,259,713 Arklow 257,943 257,943 1,441,811 Courtown 131,749 257,943 308,292 Cahore Point 131,749 257,943 416,253 Curracloe 131,749 131,749 239,710 Wexford 131,749 131,749 327,268 Rosslare 131,749 131,749 377,617 Kilmore Quay 131,749 239,710 327,268 New Ross 219,307 327,268 460,838 Dunmore East 107,961 327,268 536,683 Waterford 195,519 327,268 410,489 Tramore 107,961 327,268 410,489 Bunmahon 107,961 191,182 891,784 Dungarvan 107,961 107,961 672,477
Source: Population data taken from: CSO Population Census 2006; www.cso.ie

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6.5

Ports of Safety / Refuge within the ISMS Survey Region

The main ports and harbours with the ISMS survey region are detailed below.
Table 56: Distances between ports of safety / refuge within the ISMS Survey Region
From / To Carlingford Lough Carlingford Lough Malahide Howth Poolbeg Dublin City Dn Laoghaire Wicklow Arklow Wexford Rosslare Kilmore Quay New Ross Waterford Dunmore East Youghal Crosshaven Kinsale 172 192 202 137 157 167 134 154 164 135 156 168 136 157 169 133 155 168 115 137 150 100 122 135 56 73 86 65 85 95 58 73 85 44 54 66 44 54 66 34 59 69 0 25 35 25 0 17 35 17 0 63 75 104 108 115 135 135 139 28 40 69 73 80 100 100 104 25 37 66 70 77 97 97 101 24 36 65 70 76 96 96 101 25 37 66 71 77 97 97 102 21 36 65 66 73 93 93 102 0 15 44 47 54 74 74 84 15 0 29 34 42 62 62 69 44 29 0 7 18 38 38 23 47 34 7 0 7 37 37 32 54 42 18 7 0 20 20 25 74 62 38 37 20 0 10 10 74 62 38 37 20 10 0 8 84 69 23 32 25 10 8 0 115 100 56 65 58 44 44 34 137 122 73 85 73 54 54 59 150 135 86 95 85 66 66 69 36 39 43 44 48 0 5 7 8 9 5 0 6 7 8 7 6 0 1 4 8 7 1 0 5 9 8 4 5 0 28 25 24 25 21 40 37 36 37 36 69 66 65 66 65 73 70 70 71 66 80 77 76 77 73 100 97 96 97 93 100 97 96 97 93 104 101 101 102 102 137 134 135 136 133 157 154 156 157 155 167 164 168 169 168 0 36 39 43 Malahide Howth Poolbeg Dublin City 44 Dn Laoghaire 48 63 75 104 108 Wicklow Arklow Wexford Rosslare Kilmore Quay 115 New Ross 135 135 Waterford Dunmore East 139 172 192 202 Youghal Crosshaven Kinsale

Source: Adapted from Afloat / Reeds Irish Almanac and www.marinamap.com All distances are estimated in nautical miles

Further details on these ports and harbours are provided in appendix A4.
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6.5.1

Improving Ports & Harbours for Marine Leisure within the ISMS Survey Region

The following ports and harbours could if improved, provide a better hub for marine leisure activity within the ISMS Survey Region. They would also serve as ports of refuge or safety.
Table 57: Ports and harbours in need of improvement within the Irish Sea Marine Sector Survey Region

Port or Marina Skerries

53 3458N 6 0629W

Issue Improve leisure access

Details An ideal location for those travelling to / from Carlingford Lough. Would encourage greater take up of marine leisure in North Dublin. Make better use of small ports and harbours (SPH) due to a decline in commercial fishing activity. A possible site for a new marina. Improve access for marine leisure should be provided within the harbour at Bray. Possible marina location. New multi use marine leisure facility being constructed by Sispar.

Bray
53 1210N 6 0630W

Improve leisure access

Greystones
53 08 38 N 6 04 19 W

Improve leisure access

Wicklow
52o 58.98 N 06o 02 .70 W

Improve leisure access

Improve access for marine leisure should be provided within the inner harbour.

Arklow
52o 47.60 N 06o 08 .20 W

Courtown
52o 38 .55 N 06o 13 .50 W

Poor water quality Improve leisure access Poor access

Work to improve water quality. An expanded marina would serve as a gateway for boats heading to / from Dublin & Wexford Entrance 10 metres wide, only 1 metre clearance at MLWS 223. Consider new development for leisure craft outside the harbour wall. Good shelter for small boats. Just 1 metre clearance alongside pier

Polduff Pier
52o 34 .15 N 06o 11 .97 W

Suitable for small boats only

223

Mean Low Water Spring

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Port or Marina Wexford

52o 20 .10 N N 06o 27 .00 W

Issue Improve navigation

Details The Wexford Bar buoy may or may not be laid. There is no Harbour Authority 224. Re instate the Harbour Authority. Improve navigation by laying lit buoys. Recover costs of same by charging boats for passage. Improve quayside facilities Expand the marina either within the existing harbour or outside it.

Kilmore Quay
52o 10 .25 N 06o 35 .15 W

Expand marina

Rosslare Harbour
52o 15 .30 N 06o 20 .90 W

Not a small craft harbour

Few facilities for yachts. Small craft harbour not advised 225. A port of refuge only.

Dunmore East
52o 08 .95 N 06o 59 .37 W

Improve leisure access

A useful passage and refuge, but primarily a busy fishing vessel harbour. Work with the Department of the Marine to develop the harbour for leisure use. A study on the future use of the harbour at Dunmore East has been carried out by Kirk McClure Morton 226. Dungarvan town harbour is accessible at HW227 +/ - 3, via a buoyed channel which shifts. There are no leading lights 228. Consider laying marked buoys and improving access by dredging. Improve quayside facilities. Possible marina location.

Dungarvan Bay
52o 05 .15 N 07o 36 .70 W

Improve navigation

224 225

Afloat / Reeds Irish Almanac (2004) Afloat / Reeds Irish Almanac (2004) 226 www.marinetimes.ie/Assets/_archive_2004/0804_southeast.html 227 High Water 228 Afloat / Reeds Irish Almanac (2004)

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Issues in the Development of the Irish Marine Leisure Sector

The marina case studies and a series of interviews with County Council officials and other marine sector interests has highlighted a number of key issues in relation to the development of the Irish marine leisure sector and its value to the regional and Irish economy. These include

7.1

Developing the Irish Marine Leisure Industry A Stable Framework for Investment

From the perspective of the marine leisure sector, a key concern is the length of time it takes to realise a marina project from the initial concept through construction to the letting of the first marina berth. Extended lead times of up to 10 years are a function of gaining both planning permission from a County Council and obtaining a foreshore licence from the Department of the Marine. Planning permission also normally requires the development of an environmental impact statement. This can take over a year to produce, and often requires amendment. Whilst the marine leisure sector accepts the need for the due consideration of its applications, two aspects of the process cause concern. These are A lack of clarity over the length of time that permissions will take and The unknown cost of attaining a foreshore license and a lack of information on future costs. When compared to other European Union (EU) countries, these issues form a difficult investment climate for marine leisure investment in Ireland. There is evidence of investors prepared to fund Irish marinas having invested elsewhere. Development timescales are extended even further when planning applications or changes to planning permission are referred to appeal by An Bord Pleanla. This was the case with the extension to the marina at Dn Laoghaire. Other industries benefit from a strategic approach by Government where red tape is kept to a minimum and where spatial decisions are made and implemented. There is currently no strategic approach to developing the marine leisure sector that includes Government facilitation of improved marine leisure infrastructure. There is a need for a strategic investment policy to develop appropriate infrastructure in marine leisure sectors / products where market research indicates the existence of good market opportunities. This strategic approach should take cognisance of the environmental qualities of parts of the Irish coastline and support sustainable marine leisure development within certain recognised zones or clusters. This approach would recognise the existing and potential position of marine leisure within the Irish tourism sector.

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The slow speed in providing new berths on the East coast and on the South East coast of Ireland is slowing new and second hand boat sales. Existing marinas are largely full and have waiting lists. The boat sales businesses interviewed for this study commented that where a berth is not available, that new boats are virtually impossible to sell. This is currently the case in Dn Laoghaire and in Kilmore Quay, whilst Malahide still has some remaining capacity. Where berths / marinas cannot expand, other marine leisure services are also constrained in their growth potential. Once they are in place, an issue for marinas that require regular dredging is the process of obtaining and renewing permission to dredge and to dispose of spoil. The applicant has to fund the cost of habitat and species surveys to assist the authorities in making their decision. No long term agreements are available that would put such regular dredging operations onto a routine footing. Some marinas, e.g. Malahide, require regular dredging as a routine part of their ongoing management

7.2

Encouraging Access to Watersports for All

Marinas cater for a wider range of people as many people crew for boat owners without having to incur a large financial outlay. However, the perception continues that marinas are playgrounds for the rich. Combined with the building of premium apartments along the coast this can leave local people to feel a loss of amenity and a loss of access to the shoreline. The coastline is one of the biggest open access assets that people have. Therefore, there is often a resistance to marina development where there will be a loss of amenity or where public lands are converted to private use. Projects such as the promenade at Malahide create social benefits but there should arguably be more effort made to make marina activity more open to a wider range of socio-economic groups, particularly where marinas have an element of public funding or where they use a public asset. The principle of planning gain 229 could be used more widely in constructing marinas to create a wider direct public benefit. In other countries integrated marine leisure developments are more common with a blend of public and private access and facilities to support local boat and rowing clubs, dinghy sailing clubs etc.

7.3

Keeping up with Trends in Marine Leisure Activity

Developments in outdoor clothing such as the use of wet and dry suits have enabled people to participate in marine sports through the winter. Beaches such as Brittas Bay are now used all year round. However, beach facilities and services have not kept pace with these developments. Beach facilities such as toilets and changing facilities are often closed outside the summer season.

229

The principle of a developer agreeing to provide additional benefits or safeguards, often for the benefit of the community, usually in the form of related development supplied at the developer's expense

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7.4

Improving Water Quality and Enhancing and Zoning Beaches

Some areas where contact water sports take place have water quality that is inconsistent with immersion. Improvement in water quality has to go hand in hand with the development of marine leisure if the ISMS region is to compete with other parts of Ireland and with Europe. The Blue Flag beach programme addresses this and progress is being made. However, apart from at Kilmore Quay, the Blue Flag programme for marinas has not widely used in the ISMS survey region. A wider range of tourism / visitor activity now takes place on Irish beaches. Beach enhancements and the provision of a wider range of services including activity coaching and hire (for example canoeing, surfing, kite surfing, etc) would be appropriate. These initiatives would also need to take account of the extended marine leisure season.

7.5

Engagement of Local Authorities in Regional Planning and in the Delivery of Marine Leisure

Local Authorities consulted during the ISMS study identified their enthusiasm and an increasing priority towards the provision of marine leisure facilities. With development levies in place, the Councils are far more resourced than before to action appropriate marine leisure projects to benefit both their communities and visitors. In this regard the Councils welcome the ISMS study as a catalyst to advance the marine leisure sector, and confirm their intention to invest in a range of marine leisure activities. In order to do this effectively the Councils surveyed for this study would welcome the development of a marine spatial plan that enhances specialisation and fills gaps in services rather than promoting competition between Councils.

7.6

The Undeveloped Coastline in Marine Leisure

The sea is a key asset to the Irish Nation and its potential for marine leisure is only recently being understood. Marine leisure developments need to be planned to respect both the needs of the marine environment / ecosystem and those of local communities. Well sited marine leisure zone which do not detract from the water quality or from the visual quality of the area can enhance both the quality of life and the employment prospects of local people.

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A Framework for Marine Leisure Development in the ISMS Survey Region

A framework is outlined below, for the development of the marine leisure sector on the South East and East coast of Ireland. This framework is based on data from the ISMS audit and from consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. These include visitors, berth holders, Local Authorities, marine businesses and County Councils. The positive response towards developing marine leisure and the willingness to engage suggests that a participative approach, with stakeholders, to developing both the objectives and the spatial framework would be the most appropriate way forward. A workshop is therefore proposed which would include the following Filte Ireland. Irish Sea Marine Sector (ISMS) Local Authorities. The Marine Business Sector The Marine Institute. Representatives of Marine Leisure Activities. Representatives of State Environmental Agencies. The Department of the Marine. The Department of Transport. In order to begin the discussion the following proposals are proposed. A) That the concept of a marine leisure focal points or full service clusters be developed to include. Public and private marina areas. Managed public slipway access. Affordable sports club facilities and watersports business base. Coastal walks. Socially mixed shore side development (if appropriate). Visitor changing facilities. Onshore hospitality. The development of By Laws and management schemes to include the control of fast powered craft in certain areas. The spacing of focal points will depend on a number of factors including the physical suitability of an area. However these should ideally lie no further than 20 nautical miles apart to allow each to become a destination from the others, and to be useful as refuges in poor weather.

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B)

That the concept of an activity beach be developed. These should provide. Public changing/showers/toilets. Activity try out sessions, coaching and hire. Beach management staff and plan including zoning, by laws and control of fast powered craft in some areas. Reduction of car ingress onto beaches. Excellent water quality. A joint marketing programme for activity beaches and related events.

C)

That environmental initiatives be taken forward on a regional basis to include Action to prevent further invasive species from hitchhiking to and around Ireland on boat hulls. The development of marina environmental audits and the encouragement of good environmental practices. Reduction of car ingress on beaches. Water quality improvement.

D)

That a programme of strategic supports be developed to include. Review the process for obtaining foreshore licenses. Seek to make this process more transparent and to have a predictable completion timescale. Strategic decisions to be taken as to where marine leisure business and activities will be prioritised. Public funding for public marinas, public areas within marinas, or services provided for the public through marinas. A review of how those small ports and harbours (SPH) whose use is affected by the decline in the fishing industry should be used in the future. Support for the development of officers within County Councils with marine leisure expertise.

E) That an infrastructural programme be developed to create a greater coastal walking opportunities in the area and ideally the development of a long distance way marked coastal walking route. F) That marine leisure participants are encouraged to take training courses to improve their safety at sea. G) That local people in marine leisure clusters have opportunities to develop coaching skills in marine activities as a basis for employment in the industry. These workshops should be run on a regional basis to maximise participation.

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Fingal to

Waterford

Totals (if applicable) 99 Beaches Public Toilets Car Parks Blue flag beach 2004 11 15 Blue flag beach 2005 Poor Water Quality 2004 34 Harbour 31 Slips 13 Low water 9 Marinas 1,508 No of marina berths 23 21 12 14

Source: Drima Audit Data

Appendix A: Audit Backup

Appendix A1: Audit Overview Fingal to Waterford

Page 115

ISA Yacht Club (YC) 12,355 117 7 Deep Sea Angling 21 4 Diving 17 7 Kite surfing 4 Nature Parks 16 17 4 RNLI Lifeboat Coastguard Station New Developments Windsurfing Coastal Walks No of YC members

Sea angling (from shore)

Appendix A1.1: Map of ISMS Survey Region

Page 116

Appendix A2: Detailed Audit Fingal to Waterford

Sea angling (from shore) Poor Water Quality 2004 Blue flag beach 2004 Blue flag beach 2005

Fingal
Public Toilets Car Parks

ISA Yacht Club (YC)

No of marina berths

Balbriggan Front Strand Balbriggan Skerries North Beach, Skerries South Beach, Skerries Loughshinny Rush North Beach, Rush South Beach, Rush Rogerstown Portrane Donabate Swords Broadmeadow Estuary Malahide Portmarnock Velvet Strand Howth Claremont Beach Sutton Sutton (Burrow Road Beach) 266 280 2 2,177 2 2 350 450 150 2 502 700

Source: Drima Audit Data

Page

117

New Developments

Coastguard Station

No of YC members

Deep Sea Angling

Coastal Walks

RNLI Lifeboat

Nature Parks

Windsurfing

Kite surfing

Low water

Harbour

Marinas

Beach

Diving

Slips

Clontarf

Poolbeg

Dublin Port

Dollymount

Sandymount Beach Public Toilets Car Parks Blue flag beach 2004 Blue flag beach 2005 Poor Water Quality 2004 Harbour Slips Low water Marinas 25 100 No of marina berths ISA Yacht Club (YC) 181 409 No of YC members Sea angling (from shore) Deep Sea Angling Coastal Walks Diving Windsurfing Kite surfing Nature Parks RNLI Lifeboat Coastguard Station New Developments

Merrion Strand

North Bull Island

Baldoyle Estuary

Grand Canal Basin

Dublin City Moorings

Ringsend (Poolbeg YC)

Dublin City

Source: Drima Audit Data

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Killiney Beach Public Toilets 2 Car Parks Blue flag beach 2004 Blue flag beach 2005 Poor Water Quality 2004 Harbour Slips Low water

Seapoint

Colimore

Sandycove

Dn Laoghaire

Corbawn Beach

Bulloch Harbour

White Rock Beach

Salthill / Monkstown

Dn Laoghaire Rathdown

Source: Drima Audit Data

Page 119
510 5 5,240 2 D D

Marinas No of marina berths ISA Yacht Club (YC)

No of YC members

Sea angling (from shore) Deep Sea Angling Coastal Walks Diving Windsurfing Kite surfing Nature Parks RNLI Lifeboat

Coastguard Station New Developments

Bray

Arklow

Kilcoole

Wicklow

Newcastle

Greystones

Silver Strand

Clones Strand Beach Public Toilets Car Parks Blue flag beach 2004 Blue flag beach 2005 Poor Water Quality 2004 Harbour Slips Low water

Kilmachael Point

Ennereilly Strand

Brittas Bay - North

Brittas Bay - South

Greystones - South

Wicklow

Clogga (Nun's) Beach

Cement Roadstone (Arklow)

Source: Drima Audit Data

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73
100 411 200 D 282

Marinas No of marina berths ISA Yacht Club (YC) No of YC members Sea angling (from shore) Deep Sea Angling Coastal Walks Diving Windsurfing Kite surfing Nature Parks RNLI Lifeboat

Coastguard Station New Developments

Saleen

Cahore

Courtown

Curracloe

Ferrybank

Blackwater

Tinnabeara

Poulshrone

Morriscastle

Roney Point

Katts Strand Beach Public Toilets Car Parks Blue flag beach 2004 Blue flag beach 2005 Poor Water Quality 2004 Harbour Slips Low water Marinas No of marina berths ISA Yacht Club (YC) 418 No of YC members Sea angling (from shore) Deep Sea Angling Coastal Walks Diving Windsurfing Kite surfing Nature Parks RNLI Lifeboat Coastguard Station New Developments

Dodds Rocks

Clones Strand

Courtown North

Glascarrig Point

Courtown South

Kilpatrick Beach

Ardamine Beach

Ardcavan Strand

Kilmichael Strand

Ferrycarrig Bridge

Ballymoney (South)

Wexford

Oldbawn (Newtown) Beach

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Slade

Carne

Wexford

Rosslare

Ballyhack Beach Public Toilets Car Parks Blue flag beach 2004 Blue flag beach 2005 Poor Water Quality 2004 Harbour Slips Low water Marinas

New Ross

Duncannon

Arthurstown

The Coombe

Kilmore Quay

Carnsore Point

Fethard on Sea

The New Marina

St Helens Strand

Ballytrent Strands

Ballyteigue Strand

St Margarets Strand

Wexford

Source: Drima Audit Data

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35 55 209

No of marina berths ISA Yacht Club (YC) No of YC members Sea angling (from shore) Deep Sea Angling Coastal Walks Diving Windsurfing Kite surfing Nature Parks RNLI Lifeboat Coastguard Station New Developments

Trbeg

Portally

Saleens

Bellview

Crayden

Tramore

Garrarus

Kilmurrin Beach Public Toilets Car Parks Blue flag beach 2004 Blue flag beach 2005 Poor Water Quality 2004 Harbour Slips Low water Marinas 80 No of marina berths ISA Yacht Club (YC) 162 498 No of YC members Sea angling (from shore) Deep Sea Angling Coastal Walks Diving Windsurfing Kite surfing Nature Parks RNLI Lifeboat Coastguard Station 6 New Developments

Kilfarrasy

Knockane

Fornaught

Boatstrand

Annestown

Cheekpoint

Woodstown

Rathmoylan

Ballymacaw

Passage East

Dunmore East

Waterford City

Newtown Cove

County Waterford

Bunmahon / Bonmahon

Waterford

Main Strand, Dunmore East

Counsellors Strand, Dunmore East

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Clonea

Ardmore

Stradbally

Ballyvoyle

Ballyquinn

Caliso Bay Ardmore East Ardmore Bay Beach Public Toilets Car Parks Blue flag beach 2004 Blue flag beach 2005

Dungarvan

Goat Island

Whiting Bay

Ballyvooney

Helvic Head

Lady's Cove

Ballydowane

An Coinigar

Muggort's Bay

Ballymacart Cove

Helvic (Ballynagaul)

Waterford

Source: Drima Audit Data

Page 124

Poor Water Quality 2004 Harbour Slips Low water Marinas No of marina berths ISA Yacht Club (YC) No of YC members Sea angling (from shore) Deep Sea Angling Coastal Walks Diving Windsurfing Kite surfing Nature Parks RNLI Lifeboat Coastguard Station New Developments

Appendix A3: Boat Survey for the ISMS Survey Region

Appendix A3.1 Boats Kept at Sea within the ISMS Survey Region The following boat survey was undertaken by Toms Ochman on behalf of the Irish Sea Marine Sector. It shows the number and type of boat kept at sea or close to the sea 230 within the ISMS Survey Region 231.
Table 58: Boats kept at sea or close to the sea within the ISMS Study Region

Category 1. Sailing Boats 1.1. Racing Dinghies 1.1.1. 1.1.2. 1.1.3. 1.1.4. 1.1.5. 1.1.6. 1.1.7. 1.1.8. 1.1.9. 1.1.10. 1.1.11. 1.1.12. 1.1.13. 1.1.14. 1.1.15. 1.1.16. 1.1.17. 1.1.18. 1.2. Sailing Yachts 1.2.1. 1.2.2. 1.2.3. 1.2.4. 1.2.5. 1.2.6. 1.3. Multihulls 1.3.1. 1.3.2.

Boat Type

Number

420 470 Enterprise Fireball GP14 Laser Mermaid Mirror Optimist Picos RS 200 RS 400 Topaz Topper Viva Wayfarer Other (incl.keel) 49er Summary 1.1. <6.5m Day Sailers (<21ft) <8m Coastal Cruisers (<26ft) <10m Offshore (<34ft) 10.5-15.5m Oceangoing (34-49ft) 15-24.3m Super Yachts (50-80ft) >24.4m Tall Ships (>80ft) Summary 1.2. Catamarans Trimarans Summary 1.3. Total 1.

16 14 32 7 3 181 52 26 116 43 2 1 115 17 0 22 163 5 815 109 379 608 362 32 1 1,491 18 1 19 2,325

2. Power Boats

230 231

Boats parked in or adjacent to a marina, yacht club or compound close to the sea The East coast of Ireland from Dublin - Fingal to County Waterford

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Category 2.1. RIBs 2.1.1. 2.1.2. 2.1.3. 2.1.4. 2.2. Day Boats & Fishers 2.2.1. 2.2.2. 2.2.3. 2.2.4. 2.2.5.

Boat Type <3pers. <5pers. <7pers. >7pers. Summary 2.1. Tenders <5m >6.5m Opened >8m Opened Wheelhouse <8m Overhead >8m Overhead Fishers Summary 2.2.

Number 53 84 39 9 185 43 196 191 129 46 605 18 3 21 16 33 49 60 46 13 5 124 8 71 62 12 0 153 98 33 8 139 5 0 5

2.3. Fast Power Boats (Speedboats) 2.3.1. <6.5m Opened 2.3.2. >6.5m Summary 2.3. 2.4 Sports Boats 2.4.1. Walkaround 2.4.2. Bowriders Summary 2.4. 2.5. Sports Cruisers 2.5.1. 5-6m cuddy 2.5.2. 6-8m 2.5.3. 8-12m 2.5.4. >12m Summary 2.5. 2.6. Offshore Power Cruisers 2.6.1. 6-8.9m (20-29ft) 2.6.2. 9-11.9m (30-39ft) 2.6.3. 12-14.9m (40-49ft) 2.6.4. 15-24.3m (50-80ft) 2.6.5. >24.4 Ships (>80ft) Summary 2.6. 2.7. Coastal-River Cruisers 2.7.1. 6-8.9m (20-29ft) 2.7.2. 9-11.9m (30-39ft) 2.7.3. 12-14.9m (40-49ft) Summary 2.7. 2.8. Lake-River Cruisers 2.8.1. 6-8.9m (20-29ft) 2.8.2. 9-11.9m (30-39ft) Summary 2.8. 2.9. River-Canal Boats 2.9.1. 2.9.2.

Narrow Boats Barges

0 0

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Category 2.9.2.1. 2.9.2.2. 2.10. Multihulls 2.11. Workboats 2.11.1. 2.11.2. 2.11.3. 2.12. Other

Boat Type Cruising Motor Barges Barges for Living Summary 2.9. Summary 2.10. Boat Type TUGs Service Boats Race Management Boats Summary 2.11. Summary 2.12. Total 2.

Number 0 0 0
5

5 Number 0 14 3 17
30

3. Motor-Sail Boats Total 3. 4. Manual 4.1. Canoes 4.2. Rowing racing 4.3. Other inventions Total 4. Total 1.+2.+3.+4.
Source: Toms Ochman

30 1,333 9 9 80 3 0 83 3,750

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Appendix A3.1.1 Boats under Six Metres in Length Kept at Sea within the ISMS Region
Table 59: Boats under six metres in length kept at sea or close to the sea Region
232

within the ISMS Study

Category 1. Sailing Boats 1.1. Racing Dinghies 1.1.1. 1.1.2. 1.1.3. 1.1.4. 1.1.5. 1.1.6. 1.1.7. 1.1.8. 1.1.9. 1.1.10. 1.1.11. 1.1.12. 1.1.13. 1.1.14. 1.1.15. 1.1.16. 1.1.17. 1.1.18. 1.2. Sailing Yachts 1.2.1. 2. Power Boats 2.1. RIBs 2.1.1. 2.1.2. 2.2. Day Boats & Fishers 2.2.1. 2.3. Fast Power Boats (Speedboats) 2.3.1. 2.4 Sports Boats 2.4.1. 2.4.2.

Boat Type

Number

420 470 Enterprise Fireball GP14 Laser Mermaid Mirror Optimist Picos RS 200 RS 400 Topaz Topper Viva Wayfarer Other (incl.keel) 49er Summary 1.1. <6.5m Day Sailers (<21ft) Summary 1.2.

16 14 32 7 3 181 52 26 116 43 2 1 115 17 0 22 163 5 815 109 109

<3pers. <5pers. Summary 2.1. Tenders <5m Summary 2.2. <6.5m Opened Summary 2.3. Walkaround Bowriders Summary 2.4.

53 84 137 43 43 18 18 16 33 49

232

Boats parked in or adjacent to a marina, yacht club or compound close to the sea

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Category 2.5. Sports Cruisers 2.5.1. Total number of boats kept at sea or close to the sea within the ISMS survey region which are under 6 metres in length Number of boats kept at sea or close to the sea within the ISMS survey region Percentage of boats held at sea or close to sea within the ISMS survey region which are under 6 metres in length
Source: Toms Ochman

Boat Type 5-6m cuddy Summary 2.5.

Number 60 60 1,231

3,750 33%

Appendix A3.2 Boats Kept on Inland Waterways within the ISMS Survey Region
Table 60: Boats kept on inland waterways within the ISMS Survey Region

Category Number Estimated number of boats kept on the River Shannon 7,000 Estimated number of Shannon boats kept within the ISMS Survey Region 1,700 (based on a breakdown by population)
Source: Drima Marketing

Appendix A.3.3 Boats Kept at Home within the ISMS Survey Region The number of boats kept at home within the ISMS survey region was estimated by Drima Marketing by means of survey. This is outlined in tables 61 and 62 below.
Table 61: An estimation of the number of boats kept at home within the ISMS Survey Region

Item / Survey Region No of houses surveyed No of boats found within survey region Average number of persons per private household 233 Population per survey region Boat ratio (i.e. number of persons per boat) Population within the ISMS survey region
(see table 62 below)

A B Totals 191 680 871 5 2 7 2.82 2.82 2.82 541 1,924 2,465 352 1,553,080 4,410

Estimated number of boats kept at home within the ISMS survey region 234
Source: Drima Marketing

233

The average number of persons per private household is taken from the 2006 Census data as provided by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) www.cso.ie 234 Taken as the population within the region (1,553,080) divided by the boat ratio (301)

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Table 62: Estimated population & the number of households within the ISMS Survey Region

County Dublin - Fingal Dublin City Dn Laoghaire-Rathdown South Dublin Wicklow Wexford Waterford City Waterford County ISMS Survey Region No of persons per household within the ISMS Survey Region Appendix A.3.4

Population No of Households 239,992 84,402 506,211 190,984 194,038 68,412 246,935 80,631 126,194 42,870 131,749 45,566 45,748 17,069 62,213 21,511 1,553,080 551,445 2.82

Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO), 2006 Census Data www.cso.ie

Total Number of Boats Kept within the ISMS Survey Region

The number of boats kept at sea, on inland waterways and at home within the ISMS survey region is outlined in table 63 below.
Table 63: An estimation of the numbers of boats kept at sea, on inland waterways and at home within the ISMS survey region

Item Number of boats kept at sea or close to the sea within the ISMS Survey Region Estimated number of boats kept on inland waterways within the ISMS Survey Region Estimated number of boats kept at home within the ISMS Survey Region Totals Population within the ISMS Survey Region Estimated boat to population ratio for the ISMS Survey Region
Sources: Drima Marketing & Toms Ochman

Number of Boats 3,750 1,700 4,410 9,860 1,553,080 1:158

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Appendix A4: Existing Cruising / Sailing Infrastructure within the ISMS Survey Region

Port or Marina Malahide

53 27 .20 N 06o 08 .90 W
o

Criteria Shelter

Details Good in the marina, dredged approximately 2.3 metres. Visitors berth on the end of pontoon D.

Howth
53o 23 .60 N 06o 04 .00 W

Dublin City Moorings

53o 20 .85 N 06o 14 .80 W

Access at High Water (HW) + / - 4 hours Navigation Visiting yachtsmen are strongly advised to obtain up to date information by phone or by VHF on the latest depths and buoyage Shelter Good, available at all tides and in almost any conditions Marina dredged to 2.5 m After a severe ENEly storm, expect a dangerous scend in the approach channel Navigation Inside the harbour, keep strictly to the channel to avoid drying shoals No entry to the fishing vessel harbour for yachts Shelter Excellent on the North side of the River Liffey, below Matt Talbot Bridge Navigation Accessible 24 hours. The entrance to the River Liffey roughs up in Easterlies above a Force 5. The Bull Wall covers 0.6 to 2.7 m at HW For clearance to enter call Dublin Port on channel 12 The River is very busy 0600 10.00 and 18.00 22.00 Keep a sharp lookout for coasters and for ferries Shelter Excellent. Breakwaters within the main harbour protect the marina from ferry wash. All harbour Yacht Clubs also accommodate visiting boats Navigation Keep clear of the HSS Catamarans which turn off St Michaels Pier. Beware drying rocks approximately 10 m off the East Pier Head Shelter Very safe and access available 24 hours. Outer harbour is open to NE winds which cause a swell. Moorings in the NW of harbour belong to the sailing club and may not be used without permission. The use of the West pier is not recommended. Inner harbour gives excellent shelter in 2.5 m on N & S quays. Navigation Approach presents no difficulty. Keep in right section of the East pier to avoid Planet Rock & Pogeen Rock Shelter Good access 24 hours. Entrance is unsafe in strong or prolonged NE to SE winds, when seas break across the bar. A 60 berth marina lies on the NE side of the Avoca river

Dn Laoghaire
53o 20 .85 N 06o 14 .80 W

Wicklow
52o 58.98 N 06o 02 .70 W

Arklow
52o 47.60 N 06o 08 .20 W

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Port or Marina

Criteria

Details

Arklow Roadstone Harbour Courtown

52 38 .55 N 06o 13 .50 W
o

Navigation No navigation dangers. Beware ebb setting SW across the harbour entrance. Give the South pier a wide berth. Entrance is difficult without power due to blanking by piers. 3 knot speed limit. Note Located 1 mile South of Arklow, this port is not suitable for yachts. Shelter 10 miles South of Arklow is feasible in settled weather and offshore winds.

Navigation Entrance 10 metres wide, only 1 metre at MLWS 235. Alongside berth on East wall or pick up a vacant mooring. Polduff Pier Shelter 14 miles south of Arklow. Pier 100 metres long extends in a NE direction from the shore. This has a slipway from the 52o 34 .15 N shore and 1 metre depth alongside. Local moorings West of 06o 11 .97 W the pier. Good shelter for small boats in S to W winds. Swell in winds E of S. Navigation Approach in daylight only. Approach is clear from NE to E. Rocks extend from shore Eastward 200 m North of pier. Wexford Shelter 250 metres of alongside berth available just below the bridge. Sheltered anchorage off town quays in 2.3 m, but streams 52o 20 .10 o are strong. N 06 27 .00 W Some visitor berths are provided by the WHBC 236 Navigation The Wexford Bar buoy may or may not be laid. There is no harbour authority (mid 2003) The bar partly dries and shifts periodically. The approach is through drying sandbanks on which the sea breaks. The best approach was on 324o and requires careful pilotage. Do not enter with winds of moderate or above strength from E/S. Good visibility is essential. Rosslare Shelter Useful passage shelter from SWlies, but few facilities for Harbour yachts. Small craft harbour not advised. In winds from WNW NNE, it is often uncomfortable and, if these winds freshen, o dangerous; leave at once via S shear. Rosslare has 160 ferry 52 15 .30 N / high speed ferry catamaran (41 knots) movements per 06o 20 .90 W week. Navigation Main approach from E, S and W is via S Shear, a buoyed / lit channel to the South of Holdens Bed. A passage inshore of the Bailies requires local knowledge and should not be attempted at night. In heavy weather or poor visibility, passage East of Tuskar Rock is advised.

235 236

Mean Low Water Spring Wexford Harbour Boat Club

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Port or Marina Kilmore Quay

52o 10 .25 N 06o 35 .15 W

Criteria Shelter

Details Excellent in marina (3.0 m depth), but harbour entrance is exposed to SElies. Fishing vessels berth on W & E piers, close S of the marina.

Waterford
52o 15 .50 N 07o 06 .00 W

Navigation Beware Goose Rock, close W of Little Saltee and Murrochs Rock 6 ca 237 NW of Little Saltee. Care is needed in offshore winds Shelter Very good on 2 long marina pontoons on the South bank of the River Suir. Caution: strong tidal stream. Up the estuary are many excellent anchor points. Navigation From the East keep clear of Brecaun reef. Keep 1.5 miles south of Hook Head to clear Tower Race and overfalls, especially HW Dover +/ - 2 hours. From the West, beware Falskirt Rock, 2 can of Swine Head and 2 miles WSW of Dunmore East. Cruise liners and large container ships go up to Waterford. Shelter Very good in harbour, but yacht moorings are exposed to Elies. Anchorage North of the harbour. Visitors welcome, but call the Harbour Master before arrival. A useful passage and refuge, but primarily a busy fishing vessel harbour. Navigation Enter under power. Shelter A large bay, drying to the West, entered between Helvick Head to the South and Ballynacourty Point to the North. Beware the Gainers, a large unmarked rocky patch. Beware salmon nets. Off Helvick Head are 8 buoys in approx. 4m. Navigation Dungarvan town harbour is accessible at HW +/ - 3, via a buoyed channel which shifts. There are no leading lights. Approach is difficult in SElies > F6. Moorings are available in the pool below the town or alongside berth on pontoon (dries to soft mud). Shelter Shelter good but strong Southerlies cause swell inside the harbour. No feasible alongside berths. 2.5 knot ebb stream. Navigation Waypoint, East Bar 51o 55 .62 N 07o 48 .00 W, 302 0 to flashing light. Clearance 1.8 m. Beware Blackball Ledge & Bar Rocks. In winds E to SSW > F6, both Bars are likely to have dangerous seas. Beware salmon nets May July

Dunmore East
52o 08 .95 N 06o 59 .37 W

Dungarvan Bay
52o 05 .15 N 07o 36 .70 W

Youghal
51o 56 .54 N 07o 50 .20 W

237

CA: cable length

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Port or Marina Cork Harbour

51o 47 .50 N 08o 15 .54 W

Criteria Shelter

Details

Kinsale
51o 40 .80 N 08o 30 .00 W

Very good in all conditions, especially in Crosshaven and East Passage. There are 3 main marinas at Crosshaven plus a small private marina and several moorings up the Owenboy River, in particular at Drakes Pool. There is a marina at East Ferry in East Passage at the Eastern end of Great Island. Cobh, Ringaskiddy & Cork City are commercial and ferry ports. Contact port operations for advice on yacht berths. Navigation Way point 51o 46 .57N 08o 15 .39 W, 005 0 to Roches Point. Also on 354 0 leading line. A safe harbour with no dangers for yachts, the entrance is deep and is well marked. Spring tide rate is about 1.5 knots in the entrance. The main channel up to Cork and the channel to East Ferry are marked, but shoal outside the navigable channel. Entrance to Owenboy River carries are least 3 m at LWS and the channel is buoyed. Shelter Excellent, except in very strong SE winds. Access 24 hours in all weathers and tides. Marinas at Kinsale YC and Castlepark. No mooring within 700 m of the Town Pier. Contact harbour master prior to mooring. Harbour speed limit 6 knots. Navigation Way point 51o 40 .00N 08o 30 .00 W, 001 0 to Charless Fort. Lights. 1.8 m. Beware Bulman Rock (0.9 m, SCM 238, light buoy).

Source: Afloat / Reeds Irish Almanac (2004)

238

SCM: South Cardinal Mark

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Appendix B: References
Afloat / Reeds, Irish Almanac (2004) An Analysis of the Maritime Industry & its Potential; Ministry of Science, Economic Affairs, Land and Transport of Schleswig Holstein, Germany / Douglas Westwood Ltd., Canterbury, UK Angling Market Strategy 2005; Special Interest Tourism Plans 2005; Filte Ireland Assessment of Human Activity in the Coastal Zone, a Research Project Linking Ireland and Wales, December 2001; Maritime Ireland /Wales Interreg Report No 9 Bathing Water Quality in Ireland 2004; the Environmental Protection Agency; Editor John Delaney; ISBN 1-84095-156-7 Benchmarking the UK Position against Overseas Competitors; Investigative Work into the Italian Boat Building Industry; Nick Heyes; DTI Marine Unit; January 2004 www.fisherassoc.co.uk/download.asp?key=43 British Marine News, June 2004, page 10 British Marine News; March 2003; Page 1. 'Catching the Wave' - A Watersports Tourism Strategy for Wales www.industry.visitwales.co.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.383 Clean Seas Project Harbour Survey Report (Ireland), Karin Dubsky and Avril Tierney; Maritime Ireland / Wales Interreg Report No 10; December 2001. Coastal and Inland Boating, Domestic Market 2003; The Marine Institute Cruising & Sailing Market Strategy 2005; Special Interest Tourism plans 2005; Filte Ireland Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resource; Statement of Strategy 2003 - 2005 www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy/ Development Strategy for Marine Leisure Infrastructure; Marine Institute; ISBN 1902895-15-0 www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy

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Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Development; Statement of Objection on Behalf of the Port of Waterford Company; 19/9/2005 Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Development, Environmental Impact Statement, Non Technical Summary, RPS Kirk Mc Clure Morton for the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resource - July 2005 EPA, National Water Quality in Ireland Report for 2004 Explaining Differential Responses to Globalisation; The Case of Volume Yacht Manufacturing in 4 European Clusters. Richard Blundel and Michael Thatcher; Oxford Brooks University, Wheatley, Oxford OX33 1HX, UK Filte Ireland Angling 2003 Filte Ireland Angling 2005 Filte Ireland Tourism Facts 2004 Filte Ireland Tourism Product Development Strategy 2007 -2013
www.failteireland.ie/Developing-Enterprises/InvestmentSupport/ProductDevelopmentStrategy.aspx

Financial Times Deutschland, Germany - 5 Jul 2007 Financial Times, Page 5, 18th January 2005 Franklin Market Research / Filte Ireland Sailing Study 2006 Guidelines for Planning a Marina Development, the Marine Institute, July 2001; ISBN 1902895-16-9 Inland Cruising Market Development Strategy; Filte Ireland The International Boating Market; Opportunities for Maine; Maine International Trade Centre; May 2005 Investment Programme (2000 2006) for the Water Based Tourism and Leisure Sector in Ireland The Marine Institute Irelands Ocean Economy & Resources; Y Shields, J O'Connor, J O'Leary, Marine Foresight Series No.4; Marine Institute; December 2005. ISSN: 1649-590X Irish Tourism Responding to Change; Interim Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group May 2003

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Marine Eco Tourism, a Marketing Initiative in West Clare, Prepared for the Marine Institute by Zena Hoctor, October 2001; Atlantic Interreg IIC Programme; ISSN 1393 4643. Leisure and Sport Boat Market 2002; German Exports and Imports; British ConsulateGeneral, Hamburg, 2003 Marinas as an Economic Driver, Irish Marina Operators Association 2007 Marine Recreation & the Process of rejuvenation of Small Ports and Harbours; Edited by Anne Wilkinson; The Marine Institute, 2001 Market Brief; German Pleasure Boat Industry & Trade Shows, Juergen Mueller, US Commercial Service, Hamburg, Germany, September 2005 Move to Resolve Concerns over Dunmore Harbour Plans; Waterford News & Star; 30th September 2005. Multi Million Strategy to Transform Dunmore East Harbour; Munster Express; 12th August 2005 Munster Express, 12th August 2005 National Tourism Policy Review of Ireland; Organisation for Economic Co Operation & Development (OECD); June 2004 A National Survey of Water Based Leisure Activities in Ireland in 2003; The Marine Institute, November 2004; ISBN 1-902895-25-8 A new strategy for Irish Angling Tourism; Filte Ireland / The Central Fisheries Board Options for Marine Leisure Development in Waterford Estuary, the Marine Institute, August 2001. ISBN 1-902895-17-7 Recreational Boat Market Germany, Industry Sector Analysis Report, US Department of Commerce, August 2nd 2001 The Rush for Liquid Assets, The Sunday Times, March 26th 2006 Sailing, the Lifelong Sport 2004 2008 Strategic Plan, Irish Sailing Association www.sailing.ie Step by Step, a Walking Strategy for County Waterford, Community & Enterprise Section, Waterford County Council www.waterfordcoco.ie Submission by the Marine Institute to the Tourism Policy Review Group A Survey of Sailing Holidays - October 2006; Filte Ireland Sailing Research 2006 / Franklin Market Research

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Tourism Review; Responding to Change; Interim report of the Tourism Policy Review Group; May, 2003 Variation to Wicklow County Development Plan 1999; Made 3rd November 2003. World Marine Markets, A report by WTSH by Douglas Westwood Limited, Report number 328-05, March 2005.

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Appendix C: Web Links

Beaches www.dlrcoco.ie/ccda/BEACHES.htm www.upthedeise.com/waterford-tourism/waterford-beaches.htm www.northwexford.com/beachguide.htm www.fingalcoco.ie/YourLocalCouncil/Services/Environment/Beaches/Lifeguards Blue Flag Beaches http://www.blueflag.org/Criteria/Beaches http://www.antaisce.org/projects/press-release-05.html http://www.antaisce.org/projects/blueflag.html Diving http://www.irishunderwatercouncil.com/ Fishing www.fishingireland.net Foreshore Act (1933) www.irishstatutebook.ie/ZZA12Y1933.html French Boat Manufacturers www.beneteau.com/en/sailboats/default.aspx www.jeanneau.com www.dufour-yachts.com www.fountaine-pajot.com/-All-about-Fountaine-Pajot-.html www.zodiacmarine.com www.rodriguezgroup.com www.alliaura.com/ www.catana.com/ www.poncinyachts.com www.couach.com/ www.ocqueteau.com/ www.kelt-boats.com/production/historique/ www.beneteau.com/en/sailboats/default.aspx www.arcoa-group.com/uk/arcoa.htm www.acm-yachts.com German Boat Manufacturers www.bavaria-yachts.com/about.htm www.hanseyachts.com www.dehler.com www.hilleboote.de www.judel-vrolijk.com
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www.deutsche-yachten.de www.abeking.com www.blohmvoss-repair.com/ www.hdw.de/index_en.php www.yachtforums.com/forums/luxury-mega-super-yacht-builders/4757-hdw-nobiskrugyachts.html www.hdw.de/index_en.php www.lurssen.com/ www.peters-ag.de www.smg-werft.de Government Departments www.agriculture.gov.ie www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/pdfs/tourism_review_report.pdf www.dcmnr.gov.ie www.transport.ie Greystones Harbour PPP http://www.greystonesharbour.ie/ www.greystonesmarina.com www.wicklow.ie/specialprojects/communityfacilities.htm Irish Coastguard http://www.transport.gov.ie/Irish+Coast+Guard+IRCG/ ISMS Project Partners www.anglesey.gov.uk www.conwy.gov.uk www.denbighshire.gov.uk www.dlharbour.ie www.dlrceb.ie www.gwynedd.gov.uk www.marine.ie www.marine.ie/home/services/rnd/strategy www.irishmarinefederation.com www.northwaleswatersports.com www.sailing.ie Italian Boat Manufacturers www.azimutyachts.com www.ferrettigroup.com www.cranchi.it www.sessamarine.com/ www.fipagroup.com/html/fipa_eng/storiafipa_eng.htm

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www.canados.it www.dallapieta.it www.tecnomar.com Marinas www.arklowsc.ie/Arklow_Marina/marina_facilities.htm www.dinglemarina.com www.dlmarina.com www.malahidemarina.net www.newrosstc.ie/marina.htm www.waterfordcity.ie/environment/marina.htm www.wexford.ie/kilmore RNLI http://www.rnli.org.uk/ Sailing www.sailing.ie Tourism www.failteireland.ie http://www.failteireland.ie/upload/documents/TourismDevStrategy.pdf www.tourismireland.com UK Boat & Marine Suppliers www.fairline.com www.lewmar.com/ www.princess.co.uk/ www.raymarine.com/ www.sealine.com/ www.spinlock.co.uk/ www.sunseeker.com/ Walking www.dublincity.ie/living_in_the_city http://www.waterfordtourism.org/what-to-do-walking.htm Windsurfing http://www.windsurfing.ie/

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Appendix D: Criteria for Blue Flag Beaches 239

Water Quality Compliance with requirements and standards such as those of the EU bathing water directive. No industrial or sewage related discharges may affect the beach area. Local and/or regional emergency plans to cope with pollution accidents. No algal or other vegetation may accumulate and be left to decay on the beach, except in areas designated for a specific use and as long as this does not constitute a nuisance. The community must be in compliance with requirements for sewage treatment and effluent quality such as are contained in the EU Urban Waste Water Directive. Environmental Education & Information Prompt public warning if the beach or part thereof is expected to or has become grossly polluted or otherwise unsafe. Procedures for issuing public warnings in such cases must be covered by the emergency plan meeting criteria. Information on natural sensitive areas in the coastal zone, including its flora and fauna must be publicly displayed and included in tourist information. The information must include advice on how to behave in such areas. The beach operator undertakes: to publicly display on the beach updated information about bathing water quality in the form of a table or figure that can be easily understood. to display as close to the Blue Flag as possible information about the Blue Flag, including the aspects covered by the Blue Flag and who is responsible at local and national level. to remove the Blue Flag if a criteria is no longer fulfilled. The local community and the beach operator should together be able to demonstrate that at least five environmental education activities are offered. Environmental Management and Facilities Laws governing beach use must be easily available to the public upon request, for example in tourist offices, the town hall or on the beach. Code of conduct for the beach area must be posted on the beach. The local community has an Environmental Interpretation Centre or similar permanent public environmental education place dealing with the coastal environment. Such a centre may be a denoted a Blue Flag Centre if it as a place to obtain information about the Blue Flag and as a focal point for public environmental education activities about the coast and sea.

239

http://www.antaisce.org/projects/bfcriteria.html

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The local community must have a land-use and development plan for its coastal zone. This plan and the current activities of the community in the coastal zone must be in compliance with planning regulations and coastal zone protection regulations. If the community is very small it may be part of a larger regional plan. Litter bins in adequate numbers, properly secured and regularly maintained and emptied. Adequate provision for refuse, algal matter and other pollutants collected at the beach. The waste collected at the beach must be disposed of in a licensed facility. A daily beach clean during the bathing season when necessary. On the beach there will be no: driving unless specifically authorised beach bike or car races dumping unauthorised camping Beaches on which cars are allowed must have designated areas on the beach for parking, car-free zones and the waters edge must always be kept entirely free from cars. There must be safe access to the beach. There must be management of different users and uses of the beach so as to prevent conflicts and accidents. If there are natural areas bordering the beach, steps must have been taken to prevent negative impacts from the use of and traffic to and from the beach and its waters. Adequate and clean sanitary facilities with controlled sewage disposal. Beach guards are on duty during the bathing season and/or there is adequate safety provisions, including lifesaving equipment and directions for their use and immediate access to a telephone. The lifesaving equipment must be of a type that is approved by national lifesaving/guarding bodies. It must include instructions for use, must be permanently and immediately accessible on the beach and be regularly checked for proper functioning. Similarly, beach guards must be trained and accredited according to national requirements established by authorities or professional associations. First aid must be available on the beach and its location easily identified. National laws concerning dogs, horses, and other domestic animals must be strictly enforced on the beach. Their access and activities must under all circumstances be controlled. A shielded source of drinking water. Easy and ready access to a telephone. In cases where the beach is not safeguarded by beach guards, the criteria is imperative. At least one of the municipalitys beaches must be equipped with access ramps to the beach and toilet facilities for people with disabilities, except where the topography does not allow for it. In cases where the municipality has only one beach awarded with the Blue Flag, this beach must have access and facilities for the disabled, except where the topography does not allow for it. All buildings and equipment of the beach must be properly maintained. The beach has facilities for receiving recyclable waste materials, such as glass bottles and cans.

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The local community is promoting sustainable means of transportation in the beach area, such as cycling, walking and public transportation.

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Irish Sea Marine Sector Marketing & Business Development Programme

2 Lower Glenageary Road Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin Tel: 01 2846002 Email: info:irishsea.ie www.irish-sea.org

1st edition published November 2007