Construction of the £18 million State marina at Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, is now expected to begin in the new year following the issue of a foreshore lease for the project by the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources.
Dr Woods emphasised that conditions attached to the lease would ensure protection of the environment and minimise the impact on existing harbour-users.
The project was to have begun last October, following the awarding of a contract by Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company to a private consortium, but was delayed when it was confirmed that no foreshore lease had been approved.
It is expected to be complete by 2001.
Confirming the lease approval yesterday, Dr Woods said the development would help to alleviate a shortage of berths in the Dublin area, and would establish Dun Laoghaire as a major international centre for sailing.
Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company has applied to the Minister to formalise continued management of moorings outside the marina.
The consortium awarded the contract, Marina Marketing and Management Ltd (MMM), is described as "Irish-owned" with local sailors as the major shareholders.
Chaired by the international sailor Mr John Bourke, who is chairman of Irish Life and Permanent, it is headed by Mr Michael O'Leary, chairman of Impress Digital Communications and an international sailor.
It also involves Mr Tom Power of Rapport Marketing Communications and MCM UK Ltd.
It expects the State to fund £12 million of the projected £18 million cost, and is confident of raising the balance of £6 million from private investors. The 680-berth marina will provide 140 new jobs during construction and 50 when complete in 2001, the consortium said. Berths on the proposed marina will be dearer than the lease cost on existing moorings.
The baseline cost is expected to be £225 per metre of vessel, with no VAT added, an estimated extra £500 a year to boat-owning costs when other services are taken into account.
