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This is the dangerous phase where political grandstanding will overwhelm Naval needs. Antiquarian Spike should be developed as a Museum island serviced by a civilian ferry service so as to create jobs and support harbour ferries. Connections by bridge from Spike to Haulbowline implies Naval security inputs and potential involvements not needed.
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Originally posted by F_M View PostA bridge would also take away from Spike's uniqueness and damage it further by the need for car parks.
If their is no bridge and people have to rely on ferries, where will they sail from, Cobh?
The last time I was in cobh in the summer it was hard to find parking.
And what about wheelchair users, how would they get to spike if its ferries only,
As for security, Portsmouth has the Historic Dockyard next to the Naval Base with harbour tours around the base.It was the year of fire...the year of destruction...the year we took back what was ours.
It was the year of rebirth...the year of great sadness...the year of pain...and the year of joy.
It was a new age...It was the end of history.
It was the year everything changed.
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Originally posted by DeV View Post"We will hold out until our last bullet is spent. Could do with some whiskey"
Radio transmission, siege of Jadotville DR Congo. September 1961.
Illegitimi non carborundum
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And those two new Mistrals arent going to build a bigger basin on their OWN"He is an enemy officer taken in battle and entitled to fair treatment."
"No, sir. He's a sergeant, and they don't deserve no respect at all, sir. I should know. They're cunning and artful, if they're any good. I wouldn't mind if he was an officer, sir. But sergeants are clever."
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Originally posted by DeV View Post
As I said earlier many things have changed since that report was completed.- Block 4 Fire destroyed most if not all the historic items that the Naval service was in the process of documenting. Much of what was in the Martello tower had been moved to Block 4 to protect it from the poor conditions of the declining napoleonic building. ONET did a lot of work documenting the lost artifacts, old ships log books etc, but they are still lost forever.
- Sean O'Brien died. He was the driving force behind naval history in Ireland.
- John DeCourcey Ireland also died. He was the driving force behind maritime history in Ireland, and the decline of the Maritime Museum on Haigh Terrace after his death was a clear demonstrator of that.
- Imerc and NMCI opened, removing the civilians from Haulbowline (for the most part). These would have had the time and ability to push forward such a project.
- The recession happened.
Block 11 has since been identified by historians as the one to be preserved, being built from the outset as a Naval Hospital. Block 4 should, but won't be rebuilt. Block 10 also suffered from a disasterous fire. A protective canopy has been built over this to protect its internal structure from the elements. Limestone and heat don't mix well. (Ever see what happens a rock in a bonfire when you pour a bucket of water on it?). The NS have other building priorities. Money is still scarce. (ask any PS union who is looking for a restoration of pay).
In the meantime, the cleanup of the east tip must be completed. Once that is done, the rest should be looked at. The Cleanup plans have physically separated the entrance to the Basin to the public park that is to be built on the east tip.
But what is needed on the island more than any tourist initiative right now is room for ships and crew. The Gym on Haulbowline is miniscule, compared to the standard found in other Military facilities. If weather interferes with ceremonial that is to be held outdoor, such as Passing out or Commissioning parades, there is no indoor alternative big enough. Foul Weather may be fine for DF people, but being squashed into an army tent in a downpour is not appropriate for family and invited non military guests and VIPs. After that, living in accommodation is a must. Once you are on a course, there is room for you. Outside that, if you aren't living aboard ship, room is scarce, and the new pay regime means you won't be able to afford rent on the mainland either. Young entrants, be they A/Sea or Ensign need somewhere to live while they find their way in the service. Even those based aboard ship need somewhere to live while their ship is in refit. The DF knows all too well what happens when someone coming off 24 hr duty has nowhere to sleep within barracks and must make a long commute home. Too many names. Too many tragedies.For now, everything hangs on implementation of the CoDF report.
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Originally posted by DeV View Post
I wonder how the Navy feel about it now?Covid 19 is not over ....it's still very real..Hand Hygiene, Social Distancing and Masks.. keep safe
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My personal view is that the NS should get the whole of the ISPAT site (west side of the basin).
Quay walls
Plenty of room for accommodation
Lots of room for a new gym, offices, maintenance facilities etc etc
Unfortunately, due to the small size of the fleet and commercial facilities (and expertise required) probably being better, reopening the drydock wouldn't be viable.
What about the east side?
I think the public park idea is probably best
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It isn't a question of it being best, it is the only option, in the short, medium and long term. You cannot build anything on the east tip, ever. No more than you can build a housing estate on landfill. You cannot disturb the slag that has been dumped there. You can only cover it with enough topsoil that in time, nature will take it back. Removing the slag is like poking the embers with a can of petrol.
Reopening the drydock is possible if done under PPP. It costs nothing when not being used. Having it there to be used in a secure environment, as well as the obvious advantage in the area of refits and repairs, also a secure thorough search area should a vessel be detained for smuggling. All you need is a new caisson, and to get the pumps working again.For now, everything hangs on implementation of the CoDF report.
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