An Bord Pleanála has today given the go-ahead for a €3 million expansion of the marina at Dún Laoghaire harbour in Co Dublin.
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company will be allowed to expand the marina by approximately 240 berths.
Last year, the company applied to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for an amendment to an existing planning permission for the 240-berth, second phase of the marina development. The council granted permission but the decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
In a statement, the harbour company said it hoped to begin work as soon as the foreshore licence is granted with a view to having the new berths operational for the start of next year's sailing season in April 2007.
"The marina was opened in 2001 and has been hugely successful. It has already surpassed its 2007 occupancy target of 500 berth holders and currently has a waiting list of over 160. The marina also accommodates more than 1,200 visiting boats annually that bring over 5,000 visitors to Dún Laoghaire," the statement said.
Phase two of the marina project will be funded by the marina operating company, Marina Marketing and Management (MMM) Ltd. MMM was given a 30-year concession to operate the marina by the harbour company following a tender process in 2000.