Today; Irish Ship & Barge Fabrication Company acquired the heritage ship Naom Eanna, effectively securing the vessel for the next 3 months. During this period IS&BF will complete the in depth survey required to calculate the cost of repairing the hull and machinery to compliment the calculations for her refit as a boutique hostel, restaurant, cafe and museum. The final part of the negotiations in facilitating this next step lies with Nama who seem close to issuing the 3 month lease on the site which will allow surveyors to access the ship and determine her condition. The recent difficulties regarding a €50,000 bond in favor of Waterways Ireland should they be expected to step in and remove (scrap) the ship should IS&BF efforts to secure funding fail, may be close to being resolved. IS&BF presented Nama with an undertaking by a recycling company experienced in specialist breaking and Nama are considering this option. We hope to have a decision shortly. IS&BF are intent on approaching a number of venture capitalists to invest in the project which is presented as a viable business. How the business plan is received by potential investors will ultimately decide her fate. We have chosen to approach potential investors who have an interest in supporting Irish heritage and jobs. This was the original proposition since we became aware the ship was going to be scrapped many months ago. It has been a long and unfortunate process without your support could not have been possible. Indeed, it would have surely been scrapped if it had not been from the direct intervention of TDs Kevin Humphreys, Sean Kyne, Joan Collins, Eamonn O Cuiv, Senator David Norris and councillors Mary Freehill and Dermot Lacey among others. Many challenges lie ahead however its a great accomplishment to have got that far. The money donated by our supporters will be used to conduct the survey as planned and the reimbursement of this money to the RNLI has been included in the project costings. We hope to be able to invite all our supporters to visit the ship when she is being restored and look forward to meeting everyone then.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 10:10:04 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015