Plans were yesterday abandoned by Clare County Council to install a harbour master at Doolin this summer as tensions between two rival ferry companies at Doolin took a new turn.
The council has confirmed that it would not be appropriate for a harbour master to be appointed as it has not drawn up the necessary by-laws to regulate the harbour. Mr Dick Grant of Aran Islands Fast Ferries yesterday said he was bitterly disappointed at the council's inaction.
The council announced its intention to enact by-laws after gardaí mounted a daily presence at Doolin harbour last summer in response to alleged tensions between Doolin Ferries Ltd and Aran Islands Fast Ferries.
As a result of the alleged tensions and subsequent Garda investigation, five men from the north Clare area appeared at Lisdoonvarna District Court last week and the cases have been adjourned to July.
The confirmation that the by-laws would not be proceeding came as it emerged yesterday that Aran Islands Fast Ferries has lodged an objection against a foreshore licence application by Doolin Ferries to allow it operate a full ferry service from Doolin to the Aran Islands this summer.
If the objection is successful, the capacity of the Doolin Ferries service to the islands could be more than halved this summer as it will have to operate on a tidal basis. To allow the company operate at full capacity at low tide, Doolin Ferries had a temporary licence to transfer passengers in a currach to a ferry a short distance from the harbour to make the onward journey.
However, it is now the moorings that allows Doolin Ferries to drop anchor to accept passengers that is the focus of Aran Islands Fast Ferries opposition.
