The cost of removing an old fishing trawler in Kinsale where ‘rave' parties have been held would cost in the region of €180,000, councillors were told at a recent meeting of Bandon Kinsale Municipal District.
THE cost of removing an old fishing trawler in Kinsale where ‘rave’ parties have been held would cost in the region of €180,000, councillors were told at a recent meeting of Bandon Kinsale Municipal District.
Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) said the old fishing trawler, which is now a wreck at the old Western Bridge at Tissaxon, Kinsale is ‘an old chestnut’ and that local people have put up with it long enough and that it is causing mayhem.
‘There were legal problems with it before, there were rave parties on board the boat and it is now is a wreck and is in danger of sinking,’ said Cllr Murphy.
A report handed into councillors from Harbour Master, Julian Renault said that he was advised that the estimated cost for the removal of the ‘MFV Constant Friend’ would be in the region of €180,000 provided the vessel was asbestos-free.
Under the Harbours Act 1996, the boat, which is now deemed a wreck, and appears to be damaged beyond repair, can be dismantled and the costs could be reimbursed from the owner. However, councillors were told that the owner would not have sufficient funds to cover these costs.
‘I would be concerned that, should we undertake the removal of the vessel, we might never be able to recoup our expenses,’ said Mr Renault.
Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind) said it was quite clear now that the boat has deteriorated dramatically and asked if there was any hope they could get support from the Department of Marine. ‘The costs of moving it are exorbitant,’ said Cllr Coleman.
Cllr Murphy said they have the ‘powers to shift it’ if they want to. Council executive engineer Brendan Fehily said it would be better if they got an expert to look at the wreck to get a practical solution.
‘€180,000 is absolutely nonsense and I have been hearing about that boat for 10 years now. It’s been fudged and let’s get rid of this boat by investigating it. Let’s find solutions and do it,’ said Mr Fehily.
Council official Mac Dara Ó h-Icí said that they would ask the Department for help but added it will cost money no matter what happens and that without assistance the Council doesn’t have the funds to dispose of it and that the owner isn’t in funds to carry it out.
