Guidelines for Planning a Marina Development

Abstract

Marine Leisure and boating is an increasingly popular activity in Irish coastal waters. An ESRI (1996) survey indicated that many more people could be encouraged to participate in coastal boating and watersports if facilities were improved. These facilities can range from simple structures such as slipways and floating pontoons to large scale marina complexes. In response to the growing demand for better facilities, funding will be provided under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for the upgrading or enhancement of coastal facilities and the development of new facilities. This funding will be administered by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. The Marine Institute is the national agency charged with responsibility for co-ordinating marine research in Ireland. During 2000-2001 the Marine Institute participated in an Interreg IIc Project MAYA – Marinas and Yachting in the North West Metropolitan area. A key objective of this European project was to develop common standards for marina development. As part of this project, the Institute commissioned Brady Shipman Martin, Kirk McClure Morton and Fitzpatrick Associates to assess planning, technical and safety issues relevant to marina development. The resulting publication, Guidelines for Planning a Marina Development illustrates the steps to be taken when preparing an application for Planning Permission and a Foreshore Lease/Permission for a coastal marina development. The guidelines highlight that the development of marine leisure infrastructure is a process which requires careful planning. Consultation, particularly at an early stage, with both the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources and the relevant Local Authority on key issues such as planning policy, navigation, safety, and conservation designations can greatly enhance the prospect of achieving a successful marina development.