Cllr Derek Mitchell welcomed the opening of the access from the harbour path to the new North Beach swimming area. This now provides much better access for walking and swimming on the North Beach.

Some months ago the developers mentioned that construction of the houses would be delayed and I asked that this access would be provided across the site and I am pleased that this has now been done. The public slipway is also open and is much better than before.

When canvassing many people asked what was the status of the harbour project:

The sea walls and marine works are complete.

Phase 2 (Medical Centre, 11 apartments, public square and 5 free clubhouses) needs funding from NAMA. The developer applied in mid February. The 4 storey medical centre is let to the HSE so this phase should cover its costs and I think it will get funding, however NAMA could take time to make this decision. Phase 2 will take 12 months to build and many of the unpopular hoardings will be needed during construction to stop dirt and noise. If NAMA does not supply funding then some of the hoardings can come down. Because a different solution is needed for each result the loan decision is urgently awaited.

A further complication is that ex Labour Party Councillor, Fiachra Etchingham has objected to the modest changes to Bord Pleanala. It could take from 1 to 14+ months for this to be cleared and this is unhelpful in getting a favourable decision from NAMA.

Currently not enough boat owners have expressed interest in paying for berths in the marina which could delay its completion beyond 2011. I believe that more are interested but they need to be contacted again.

Phase 3, the housing units North of the Medical Centre may well be delayed beyond 2012 but this will not have much effect on the public provided the public square is compete and most hoardings are down.