Work to remove forgotten vessel takes step forward

Work to remove forgotten vessel takes step forward

5 September 2018

AN important step has been taken to remove an abandoned boat which has been lying in Dundrum’s inner bay for decades.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council has confirmed that it has applied for a marine licence to pave the way for the removal of the 30-tonne vessel, which dates back to World War 2.

It is located at the inner bay in the village and is starting to fall apart which locals have warned poses a danger to children who view the wreck as an adventure playground.

The future of the vessel has been debated by local politicians on a number of occasions with the local authority confirming that once the the licence has been secured, a contractor will be selected to remove the remnants of the decaying oak-constructed boat which is lying on its starboard side.

Residents in Dundrum have expressed concern about the implications the decaying vessel has for the health and safety of young people who on occasion explore the boat when the tide is out. 

They say the vessel is coming to the end of its days, with part of the hull collapsing following a storm last year.

A recent inspection of the abandoned boat which is almost 70 feet long, revealed a further deterioration in its condition, with part of the hull having fallen away.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, requires the local authority to obtain a marine licence before the boat, which still has its two eight cylinder engines in place, is removed.

The vessel’s upper deck is made of steel and while some local people had indicated they would have liked the boat to remain in place as it has become something of a local landmark, they recognise the danger it poses and it should be removed.

Politicians say that while the abandoned vessel has become something of landmark and very much associated with Dundrum, the fact it had started to break up highlights the need to do something as soon as possible.

There are fears the further deterioration of the vessel could potentially result in any remaining fuel, engine or hydraulic oils on board, leaking into the inner bay which is currently leased to Newry, Mourne and Down Council from the Crown Estate. 

Politicians say the bottom line is that the boat has to be removed to address a number of health and safety concerns which have arisen have to be addressed. They hope the marine licence can be obtained relatively quickly and the vessel removed as soon as possible.

Anyone who would like to view a copy of the marine application licence can do so by contacting the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs by telephone 028 9056 9247 or email MarineLicensingTeam@daerea-ni-.gov.uk.

Written representations can also be made to the government department and sent to DAERA Marine and Fisheries Division, 1st Floor, Klondyke Building, Cromac Avenue, Malone Lower, Belfast, BT7 2JA.