No Pontoon Boon Soon

Pic: Harry Acheson

opes for a pontoon to return to Greystones harbour have been given the thumbs down at a recent municipal district meeting.

Having been backed by local councillors for the past five years, current harbour overlords Sispar have said that existing by-laws prohibiting diving there would lead to difficulties with insurance.

The possibility had also been reviewed by Wicklow County Council’s safety officer, who concluded that the harbour was an unsuitable location for a pontoon as there was no lifeguard in place. Speaking on behalf of WCC, our bestest bud Merlin Ovington said there were concerns that a pontoon would encourage diving in that area.

The suggestion that the controversial new north pier gates would help deter diving were dismissed by Cllr Lourda Scott, who pointed out the simple fact that people were able to climb around this recently-installed obstacle.

Cllr Gerry Walsh stated that it could be possible to change the by-laws to address any potential insurance difficulties, arguing that there is space for a pontoon and that sports funding could be sought to provide the facility, in consultation with local clubs.

For their part, Sispar are employing a facility management company for the harbour, whilst a new dedicated website is currently being developed to improve communications. This would include an email contact for both Sispar and the new facility management company.

Naturally, there is no enforceable provision in the Public-Private Partnership agreement between Wicklow County Council and Sispar in relation to security at the harbour.