COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

MOTION NO. 12

MOTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

 

That this committee agrees that the Chief Executive should provide a report for debate at the Area Committee on the current state of the fishing facility in Corkagh Park detailing the current management arrangements for the facility, an assessment as to why there were no successful tenders for the facility in the summer, and the plans for the facility in the future.

REPORT:

The development of Corkagh Fishery arose out of the development of a flood attenuation scheme on the River Camac following significant flooding in Clondalkin Village in the late 1990's / early 2000's. Following construction of the flood attenuation ponds, an opportunity to develop a put and take fishing facility as an amenity concession in Corkagh Park was developed and opened in 2004.

Camac Valley Camping and Caravan Park is promoted as part of the tourism product for the county and the fishery is actively  promoted at appropriate events. While some of the oversees visitors using the caravan park also use the fishery, it is understood from Fáilte Ireland and Fisheries Ireland that the main draw for fishing in Ireland is wild fishing i.e. river and sea fishing. 

The fishery is a popular destination for local residents and park visitors alike with many people using the coffee shop during the summer months. Upgrade works were carried out to the fishing shop, outdoor terrace, and fishing platforms earlier this year. Works were also carried towards the end of 2013 to improve disabled access on the path between the lakes and to the fishing platforms.

BK Golf management Ltd has been managing the Fishery since April 2013 in line with the Camac Valley Licence Agreement at the requirement of South Dublin County Council pending the outcome of a tender process specific to the Fishery operation. A management concession for the facility was tendered in November 2013 but the process was unsuccessful as no tenders were received and it was envisaged that a further  opportunity would be readvertised during summer 2014.

It is considered that the two biggest reasons for the lack of response to the November 2013 invitation to tender are the requirements to operate the fishery year round and that the successful tenderer would be required to maintain the stock levels in the lakes at his/ her own expense.

As the business is seasonal, the Council is mindful of the economic costs of staffing and stocking the facility and as a result, the Council is currently undertaking a full audit and review of the facility to determine the best way to proceed. 

The  Council is currently examining several options which include:

1. Tender for the management of the facility only on basis of an Annual Franchise Fee with the Council still having involvement in the maintenance of the building, lakes and surrounds.

2. Tender for the full management, operation and maintenance of the facility on the basis of an Annual Franchise Fee. This would include the setting of admission fees.

3. Operate the facility directly with no private operator involved.

4. Close the fishery and redevelop the facility as a tearoom/restaurant visitor facility. 

When the full audit of the facility has been completed and full cost / benefit analysis of the various options has been completed, a further report with recommendations will be brought before the Members.