Cahersiveen Marina

It has been discussed over and over again of the merits of a necklace of marinas around the coast of Ireland, but it wasn’t until the opening of the new 94 berth marina in Cahersiveen that the real benefits could be tangibly assed.

There is not one business in this small beautiful west coast town that has not been touched by the increased level of tourism that the marina has brought. And it is not only the yachtsmen that are coming.

Due to the rich Atlantic fishing grounds just minutes from Cahersiveen, the town has hosted the European Sea Angling Championships twice in the last four years. As a direct result of the international flavour of the event berths are now being sold to fishermen as far away as Switzerland. It is true to say that the majority of berths are owned by the Irish but nevertheless it all adds up to increased revenue to the town.

Since the marina opened it has seen continued growth in the number of visitors as all manner of water sports enthusiast are catered for at the marina. It must be said though that this success has not come without its own problems. Apart from the minor teething problems of any new venture, be it managerial or otherwise, last year saw an increased number of vessel going aground enroot to or from the marina.

Feedback to the Marina Management Committee indicated that the marina was being ring fenced by charter companies and word was spreading within the cruising fraternity that Cahersiveen was a difficult marina to approach. Something had to be done.

The truth of the matter was they were right. The marina was difficult to too. The transits were difficult to see against the backdrop of the Kerry Mountains. The buoys were small and subjected to being dipped into the water as the winter gales blew though. However with an up-to-date chart, a keen eye, a rising tide and fingers crossed even the deepest draft vessels could make it up river.

As we are all aware though “.give a dog a bad name…” something had to done so that water users of all abilities would be able to tie up and enjoy the benefits of the marina and the amenities of the town of Cahersiveen.

Now the French model of local authority investment in marinas is perhaps one we can aspire too in Ireland in order to add a few more jewels to our necklace but perhaps the first steps are being taken in this direction. Kerry County Council recently announced that is investing €148,000 in improvements to the navigational marks to provide safer navigation to the Marina at Cahersiveen and to both the Knightstown and Renard entrances, with the object to further enhance tourism opportunities of South Kerry. This should be applauded. How wonderful it is to be blessed with a Minister for Art Sport and Tourism Mr John O’Donoghue and Martin Riordan, County Manager and Tom Curran, Director of Services and County Engineer for the foresight to rectify a potential problem. Without their support and assistance these improvements would have taken years to effect.