The AGM of the Irish Marina Operators Association (IMOA) took place recently at the end of another successful season. The news from around the coast is that visitor numbers are excellent with Irish marinas attracting large numbers of boats from Britain, France and Norway in particular. Superyachts continue to see Ireland as a new and exciting destination as well as smaller cruising boats from all over the world. Some marinas are filling up again with demand being seen for larger berths in particular. Marina operators are also investing significant sums to upgrade and improve the existing facilities.

On the marketing front, the recent Southampton Boat Show was a success for a number of members who exhibited there. There is an appetite to market Ireland as a marine leisure destination and it is hoped that further marketing in the UK can be carried out.

The topic of dredging was discussed at length and the members aired their frustration at the drawn-out process to receive permission to carry out maintenance works. Similarly it was disappointing to hear that there is still no movement on the Maritime Area and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2013. The lack of progress on this front is potentially damaging for the industry as a whole.

Finally, it was agreed by all members that there is a change in the outlook of customers/boat owners and a more positive attitude is evident right around the coast.

The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) meets in Dublin tomorrow to address priorities in the months ahead after a torrid time for the marine industry in Ireland.

In a notice to members Chairman David O’Brien says ‘like all small businesses, the IMF is building anew after recession’.

In a cautious note of optimism, O’Brien adds ‘Although it still remains to be seen if we really have ‘turned a corner’, as our politicians like to tell us, nothing can stay dormant indefinitely.

The IMF expect new opportunities to arise as the economy improves and consumer confidence grows.

O’Brien explains that it the IMF was only able to keep afloat in recession by slashing costs and running almost entirely by volunteer committee.

‘We may be a long way from the dizzy heights of the IMF 2006 Boat Show at the RDS but equally we’re a long way from 1984 when VAT was 35%, the top rate of income tax 65% and mortgage rates hit 16%. Even then we managed to run a show…! he adds,

In whatever form the next wave of activity comes, the IMF says it is ready and waiting to embark on a new chapter for the industry.

The IMF is keen to take on board views and suggestions and is on a recruitment drive.

The IMF gam takes place tomorrow at the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire followed by a meeting of its Board who will focus on identifying IMF priorities for 2015 and 2016. 

The Irish Marine Federation was privileged to be asked to take part in research undertaken by Failte Ireland this month on sailing and boating tourism in Irish coastal waters. The IMF was the only association present that represents marine businesses in Ireland. With the extensive knowledge base of its various members, the IMF was able to contribute some very useful and appropriate information.

The Irish Marine Federation fully supports all efforts by State Agencies to market Ireland as a marine tourism destination and is pleased to offer whatever assistance it can in undertaking these studies. We look forward to seeing the results of this work in due course and hope this research will contribute back to the coastal communities that our members are located in.

The Irish Maritime Administration, the Government’s new wing to deal with maritime affairs, invites submissions from all interested parties on the new Maritime Safety Strategy, Sea Change – Building a New Maritime Safety  Culture, which is currently being developed.

The new Maritime Safety Strategy will focus on building a culture of safety and will target the main causes of casualties in the maritime sector. It will cover all types of craft being used for any purpose on Irish coastal or inland waters, including recreational craft, fishing vessels, passenger vessels and cargo vessels.

The public consultation document, which provides an outline of the key issues, is available on the Department’s website  or by telephoning 01-6783454.

Written submissions should sent by email to maritimesafetystrategy@dttas.ie or by post to the address below by Friday 29th August 2014 at the latest to Maritime Safety Strategy Consultation, Maritime Services Division, Irish Maritime Administration (IMA), Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2

Please note that submissions received will not be responded to on an individual basis, but they will be taken into consideration by the IMA in the preparation of the new Maritime Safety Strategy. Copies of all submissions received will also be published in full on the Department’s website.