Clogherhead Harbour a ‘soft target’ warns Louth councillor

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Clogherhead Harbour is at risk of becoming a “soft target” for vessels aiming to dock in ports with less strict regulation, warned a Louth councillor.

Cllr. Declan Power, who represents the Clogherhead area warned that the current operational model of the harbour is “unsustainable” and poses serious risks to both users and the local fishing industry.

Speaking at the July meeting of Louth County Council, Cllr. Power said: “Clogherhead Harbour is a critical working harbour that supports local livelihoods and the coastal economy.”

“However, we are now facing an unacceptable situation where overcrowding is compromising the safety of vessels and crew. In some cases, fishing boats are being forced to remain at sea in hazardous conditions due to a lack of safe access within the harbour,” he said.

He highlighted that boats are currently being rafted up to eight and even ten vessels deep – many of which are left unattended for extended periods. This, he argued, presents not only logistical issues but significant safety hazards.

“What we have is a situation with no fair or enforceable system of access. Compliant users who pay their dues and meet safety requirements are being penalised, while others continue to benefit from facilities without any accountability,” he said. “Effectively, the harbour is being run like a public car park with no enforcement – where some pay and others don’t.”

He called for a formal meeting between the Harbourmaster and local fishing representatives to directly address operational concerns; the Introduction of a regulated access and authorisation system for all trawlers and vessels and robust enforcement of outstanding harbour dues, fines, insurance compliance, and unauthorised docking.

“Clogherhead has become a ‘soft target’,” he said. “Some vessels are deliberately choosing to berth here rather than in better-regulated harbours because they know enforcement is weak or non-existent. This situation cannot be allowed to continue.”

Cllr. Power also emphasised that the issues at Clogherhead go beyond fishing. As a growing visitor destination and valued community space, the harbour requires proper investment, ongoing maintenance, and responsible oversight.

“This is ultimately about health and safety, fairness, and the proper management of a public asset. Clogherhead Harbour must be supported to operate in a structured, safe, and sustainable way – for the benefit of our fishing families, the tourism sector, and the wider coastal community.”

Cllr. Michelle Hall added that she has been in contact with the environment section at Louth County Council about enforcement action following an oil spillage around the harbour.

She also highlighted “a lot of rubbish lying around the harbour” such as ropes and other waste, and raised concerns about microplastics that could easily be blown into the water.

"They may need more additional storage, I know this is something they have been looking for for quite a while,” said Cllr. Hall.

She added that other busy ports, such as Killybegs in Donegal were “spotless” but pointed out: “We can’t really say that about Clogherhead.”

David Hanratty, Director of Operations and Environmental Delivery said, "We are aware of the ongoing issues at Clogherhead Harbour and are vey happy to meet with the fishermen to deal with their concerns."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Service

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