Posted on April 13, 2022
There are fears for the future of Sligo harbour after it was revealed on Monday that it is full of sludge which would cost millions of euro to clear, money that’s not available and dredging is not viable to do according to a report.
Councillor Declan Bree told the monthly council meeting that he was astonished and dismayed when he read the dredging report on Sligo Harbour which was recently presented to members of the Harbour Advisory Committee.
The report states that last year’s underwater surveys show silt volumes at the quays have nearly doubled since the last survey in 2011 – from 5,500cu m to 9,600cu m.
“It states that because of the increased volumes of silt a new ‘Dumping at Sea’ permit will be required. It points out that the Foreshore Licence for dredging which was granted to the Council in 2014 is now expired and it says that an application for a new license will take at least 18 months to prepare and will cost in the region of €100,000 in consultants fees, studies and site investigations.
“It states the full dredging of the harbour and navigation channel would cost close to €10 million, and a reduced dredging scheme for a turning circle and a short length of the channel would cost just under €2 million.
“And even more disquieting, it says the potential dredging of Sligo Harbour is not currently a viable project.
“In essence the message we are now receiving is that Sligo port will soon be closed for commercial shipping.
“And what really disturbs me is the fact that previous reports we received on the harbour were quite positive.
“Council members will be aware that I have consistently raised questions and sought reports on the development of the Harbour over the years.
“In January of last year, when I asked for a report we were told of the 30% increase in shipping in the port in the period 2016 to 2020, we were told that the cost of any dredging operation would be significant, we were told that a new seabed survey was proposed and we were told that the Council was actively engaging and negotiating with shipping agents to expand the shipping market further in 2021 and beyond.
“In December last, just four months ago, when I sought a progress report and an update on the seabed survey we were provided with a positive report which said the new seabed survey indicated that the volumes of silt in the Harbour channel was essentially the same as they were in 2011 when the last seabed survey was carried out.
“I actually recollect expressing pleasure and relief in response to the news that the volumes of silt had not increased since the previous survey. I also commented on the estimated cost of potential dredging, and I mentioned the possibility of seeking EU grant aid as policies were being developed for low carbon transport infrastructure.
“And now we have this shocking report telling us that silt volumes have almost doubled and that dredging is not a viable project.
“I have to admit I am at a loss to understand why we are being provided with such contradictory reports.
“When this Council took over the port we received a report from the Council management stating clearly that they considered that the operation of the port in terms of shipping and property management was economically viable and that report went on to state that the Council was satisfied that it could secure the development of the harbour in terms of shipping and as a driver of the economic development of the region.
“It is actually an objective in this Council’s Development Plan to retain the port as a viable infrastructural and commercial entity, supported by port-related industries and/or business activities.
“And in the Spatial and Economic Strategy for this region it states that while the significance of Sligo Port in national terms may be low it still remains important in the regional and local economy, supporting local industry and providing an import/export transportation facility.
“This Council would be failing in its duty if it allows the port to close down. Records show that Sligo port was exporting goods to Britain and Europe as far back as the 13th century. Today with global warming and in terms of environmental benefits it surely makes sense to move freight by ship rather than by road transport.
“We now need the Management of the Council to outline its proposals for the retention, development and improvement of the port, and we will also need to engage with government and with our Dail deputies so as to source the necessary funding to secure the port for shipping and as a driver of economic development for Sligo and the region.”
Cllr Bree proposed members call on the Council management to outline its proposals for the retention, development and improvement of the port.
