SDLP councillor Michael Carr has welcomed planning approval for the proposed marina in Warrenpoint which was given the green light at last week’s monthly planning meeting. Mr Carr also welcomed the news that Samuel Stewart & Co local shipping agents along with Warrenpoint Harbour Authority are actively working on bringing passenger cruise vessels to Warrenpoint. “The councillor said: “If both these projects can be delivered it will bring a massive boost to tourism in the Carlingford Lough and Newry and Mourne areas which have so much to offer. The provision of a 200 berth marina has one last hurdle to jump and awaits the final decision on funding from the special EU Programmes Body due before the year end. If successful the marina will be operational by early 2015. Samuel Stewart & CO is also targeting 2015 as the year when the first passenger vessels could visit Warrenpoint. At a recent Economic Development meeting a detailed presentation was given on the realistic ambitions of attracting cruise vessels and the enormous financial contribution to the local economy it will bring.” Mr Carr added: “I pay tribute to all those working so diligently and in partnership to deliver on these projects which will be job creators and catalyst for further economic and tourism development. I also commend the senior planner whose workload this past few months has been greatly increased dealing efficiently with the Marina and Narrow Water Bridge applications.”
Newry Democrat
11th September 2012
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