CONCERNED.. Johnny Wray is worried that the lack of lighting around the Marina is a potential hazard for holiday makers
A BELLEEK boat owner has raised questions over the provisions at the local marina in the village, with no lighting a major concern.
The marina is operated by Waterways Ireland – with a toilet block owned by Fermanagh District Council.
Waterways Ireland do not own the land that would occupy lighting.
Sixty-year-old Johnny Wray, who lives beside the marina and has had a boat there for close to 16 years, said the problem is ongoing and is of a major concern to local boat owners and holidaymakers who use the marina.
“The problem is when the tourists come in or when the boats come in there’s no lighting over the marina itself,” Johnny explained.
“And I they want to walk up the town, they can get up all right but they need torches to get back.
“It is quite a long marina, it is very dangerous.”
Johnny said that there could be as many as 20 – 25 boats in the marina, which escalates when there are boat rallies.
“It doesn’t just stop at night, a lot of the boats don’t have generators and they’re depending on the batteries for lighting. And that doesn’t cover outside lighting.”
Johnny also questioned the street lighting on the Old Station Road leading to the marina, which ends around 200-300 yards from the marina.
He added: “In Ennniskillen they can spend millions doing walkways, doing anything – but forget about us.”
A spokesman from Fermanagh District Council commented: “The marina is not owned by Fermanagh District Council but there is a management agreement in place for the upkeep of the grounds.
“There were development proposals from adjacent landowners presented to, and approved by, council some time ago but those developments have not yet been undertaken.
“The proposals, incorporating through road, footpath and lighting would have greatly enhanced the area.
“In the absence of such development, Fermanagh District Council does not have the resources to further develop the marina complex.”
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