The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC), in association with the Dun Laoghaire BID, has submitted a proposal to An Bord Pleanála regarding the development of a 400+ metre cruise pier in the middle of the main basin of Dun Laoghaire Harbour. As a member of the Dun Laoghaire Combined Clubs (DLCC), the DMYC’s position is that we have no objection to upgrading the cruise ship facilities of the harbour, but that we object to this specific proposal for a number of reasons. As part of the DLCC’s formal response to An Bord Pleanála, a number of documents have been drawn up, which we share here.

The original documents, submitted by the DLHC, can be found at http://dlcruiseplan.ie/. The An Bord Pleanála case can be found at http://www.pleanala.ie/casenum/PA0042.htm.

The response documents, for the oral hearing being held by An Bord Pleanála, including documentation from the Dublin Bay Sailing Club are:

  1. The DLCC’s official response, as lodged with An Bord Pleanála
  2. Heritage and Cultural Impact
  3. DLHC’s original press release image demonstrating a ship in the harbour
  4. The proposed pier, correctly dimensioned in the harbour
  5. Corrected versions of the DLHC press release image
  6. Scaled view of a modern cruise ship versus well-known buildings
  7. A sectional context view of a modern cruise ship versus the town
  8. Existing sailing area in Dun Laoghaire Harbour
  9. Proposed sailing area in Dun Laoghaire Harbour (post terminal construction)
  10. Overlaying the DBSC sailing area on the proposed access and turning zones

The combined clubs have also worked to propose an alternative for the area of the Harbour under discussion. This proposal draws inspiration from other harbours around the world, and builds on the ability of Dun Laoghaire to host international events.

In a special session of the Dun Laoghaire County Council, held on October 22nd 2015, motion 88 was passed 22:11. This motion restricts the maximum length of cruise ships allowed inside the harbour.