Arklow port future in doubt

The sale of a property at Arklow’s North Quay has raised questions over the future viability of the Port.

Within hours of the sale of an IFI warehouse and storage tanks, the Harbour Commissioners decided to write to the Town Council, asking them not to rezone any more land away from port-orientated use.

Harbourmaster Tommy Myler warned that in cases where that happened in England, it was the death knell of Ports.
“We do not want to see that repeated in Arklow. The port of Arklow is already fighting for its very existence and the land around the harbour is vital to the port’s survival,” he said.

“A port is a terrific asset to any town and we would be opposed to the Council rezoning any land in the harbour area away from port use.”
Comprising 2.2 acres this piece of North Quay property sold for Eur1.52 million after the bidding opened at Eur500,000. Bought in trust by Dublin solicitors Mason, Hayes and Curran, it is believed the purchaser was Brian Stokes, the owner of Ashford House.