A former chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, Mr Seamus Pairceir, has been appointed the first of a number of new independent examination commissioners for this year's Leaving Certificate. Students appealing their results can apply to the commissioners for confirmation that a full remarking of their papers took place and all appeal procedures were followed.
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FROM THE SOUTH-EAST
New harbour holds key to future prosperity of community
THE South Wexford coast looked like the Mediterranean last week as two Ministers and many county councillors marked the inauguration of a development milestone for the small village of Kilmore Quay.
Trawlers, yachts and cruisers moored snugly in the harbour demonstrated the double opportunity now offered to the local community - and the regional hinterland - to generate future prosperity.
Following major investment, including a substantial commitment by Wexford County Council, the harbour is a modern facility catering for both fishing interests and sailing enthusiasts.
The council has become the first local authority in the State to operate a combined fishing port and leisure marina, a forward-looking project which has already begun to pay off its investment costs.
County Manager, Mr Seamus Dooley, described the initial decision to take on and fund such a large project as "daunting". But, with strong community backing, the council set about the work in 1994 in partnership with the Departments of the Marine and the Environment.
Financial support was forthcoming from the EU Regional Fund, but the council has committed about £1.75 million of its own and borrowed money to the rejuvenation of the harbour and associated road and other service improvements.
Much-needed new deep water berths have been provided for the fishing fleet, and Environment Minister, Mr Howl in, last week confirmed that a £650,000 state-of-the-art ice plant will be provided.
But the new departure for Irish local authorities is the all-weather 55-berth marina, which has already put Kilmore Quay on the international yachting map.
Irish-designed and built, its facilities for visiting boats include a sewage pumping system, refuse services and a piped fresh water supply. Because the council is environmentally aware, the marina was built primarily with fibreglass reinforced concrete rather than the usual Brazilian hardwood from threatened forests.
The council collects harbour dues but the aim is for the marina to cover operating costs. The real pay-off will come in the extra business and commercial development which it will generate in the parish.
"We work on the basis that £1 in the marina brings in £100 to the village," said Mr Kieran O'Brien, the council's project manager for the Kilmore Quay development.
Two jobs have already been created: former Irish naval officer, Lieut Comdr Aidan Kehoe, has been appointed harbourmaster, and former fisherman, Mr Johnny Sinnott, is the harbour constable.
Several hundred boats have already visited the marina in the few months it has been operational, and it is heavily booked for this season.
Local businesses are planning expansion to meet the needs of the visitors. "We can bring the people here, but it's up to the village to invest in them," said Mr O'Brien.
"This facility will be a vital stepping stone for small boats on their way to visit the yachting centres of Co Cork," said Mr Joe Palmer, regional manager of South East Tourism.
Kilmore Quay is now the biggest local authority harbour in Ireland. Its annual landings exceed £2 million in value and local processors have an annual turnover of £40 million.
The promised ice plant will be an important asset, providing a 24-hour service for customers using a magnetic coded card. It will make up to 40 tons of ice per day.
The harbour project, including extensive dredging and refurbishment, a new slipway and quay, and modern lighting and power facilities, cost £3.25 million overall, making it one of the largest development schemes undertaken by the Department of the Marine in recent years.