NOT all the hurdles preventing Sligo’s multi-million euro marina from starting have been overcome, a report by Sligo County Council has revealed.

The report, presented to members of the council at the beginning of this month, details the progress made to date, as well as the obstacles still facing the project.

The Council requested a meeting with the Minister for the Marine on July 6 in relation to the marina.

They got their meeting on July 20 and were allowed to make a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications Marine and Natural Resources.

Council officials outlined the background to the project and highlighted in particular the growing desire from individuals and business interests to see the project started.

It was pointed out too that the Tourism Measures contained in the National Development Plan 2000-2006 did not exist when the marina was given initial approval.

The Tourism Measures had been a sticking point for the government, keen to see the expenditure matched by a major increase in tourism revenue.

The tourism potential is still an issue for the Department of the Marine, however. They informed the Council that they would instruct a working group to evaluate the potential and forward their findings to the department.

The issue of under-writing the project is also a major stumbling block. The local authority were told they would have to provide a ten-year commitment to the project, something which they have said previously they would be very reluctant to do.

On the positive side, the Harbour Master has withdrawn all objections to the project and the Foreshore Licence fee has been reduced by E2,500 to E10,000.

Sligo Weekender September 07, 2006