Hopes that Warrenpoint could finally secure its own Marina have been dealt a hammer-blow after a funding application to take the project forward fell at the last furlong. The decision by Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) to decline funding for the 200 berth Marina and related facilities during the last stage of the application process is a major setback for the scheme which has been in the pipeline without progression since the early 19070s. and it prompted SDLP councillor for the area Michael Carr to question how criteria is set and met when it comes to SEUPB funding applications. “To say I was disappointed would be a massive understatement,” The Crotlieve councillor said. “The Marina at Warrenpoint was exactly the catalyst we needed to revitalize our seafront and regenerate a deteriorating tourism industry.” The proposal for the Marina for this location has been discussed since the formation of Newry and Mourne District Council in the early 1970s. But it wasn’t until November 2007 that the council and Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) formed a partnership to deliver the project. 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.” Mr Carr who has long been a vocal supporter of the Marina proposal warned that it’s not only Warrenpoint which will lose out as a result of the latest setback. “Opportunities through project ‘Lough to Loch’ with other partners: The Loughs Agency, Louth County Council, and Dumfries and Galloway Council will all be impacted, all losing 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 Lough Ryan,” he said. A spokesperson for SEUPB said the funding application was rejected because it failed to meet the required scoring threshold.” But Mr Carr has expressed “great concerns” about this explanation saying it raises worries about “the procedures, 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 giving their positivity about the project at every stage since it’s inception,” he said.
Newry Democrat
23rd October 2012
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