Warrenpoint Marina funding failure ‘disappoints’ Carr
Councillor Michael Carr has commented on the news that the Warrenpoint Marina failed to receive funding at the final stage of the Tourism Theme of INTERREG IVA.
Speaking to Newry Times he said; “To say I was disappointed would be a massive understatement. The marina at Warrenpoint was exactly the catalyst we needed to revitalise our seafront and regenerate a deteriorating tourism industry.
“The proposal for a marina at this location has been discussed since the formation of Newry & Mourne Council in the early 1970’s, following a proposal to council and Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) they formed a partnership in November 2007 to deliver the project.”
Carr continued, “A considerable amount of time, effort and money has gone into forming alliances, producing economic and environmental studies, gaining planning approval and satisfying every requirement and test for the criteria to be met.
“It is not only the marina at Warrenpoint that will be lost but the opportunities through project ‘Lough to Loch’ with the other partners: The Loughs Agency, Louth County Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
He added, “All of whom will lose out on the strategy and opportunities of linking marinas on the west of Scotland, and the east coast of Ireland and encouraging visiting yachts and cruisers to explore Carlingford Lough and Loch Ryan.
“I now have great concerns about the procedure, scoring mechanisms and other influences that appear to be able to direct where funding is targeted.”
“I sincerely hope that the promoters of the project appeal this decision and It will be interesting to see how SEUPB and their Steering Committee justify their refusal given their positivity about the project at every stage since its inception.”
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