Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Amanda Hampsey.

DEPUTATION

The Chair intimated that a request for a Deputation to be heard by the Board had been received on behalf of Oban Community Harbour Development Association (OCHDA).

The Chair advised that this Deputation had been received out with the timescale as provided within the Council’s Standing Orders; but advised that it was his intention to use his discretion to hear the application at shorter notice as contained under Standing Order 18.3. The Harbour Board unanimously agreed to hear this Deputation.

The Harbour Board heard a deputation from Phil Hamerton and Ross Wilson on behalf of Oban Community Harbour Development Association in relation to the proposed Port Marine Safety Code, specifically the Moorings Policy which would be dealt with under item 4 of the agenda. 

The Chair thanked the presenters and advised that their submission would be considered under item 4 of the agenda (Port Marine Safety Code).

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Argyll and Bute Harbour Board held on 31 August 2023 were approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Special meeting of the Argyll and Bute Harbour Board held on 31 January 2024 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

The Designated Person presented his Annual Report to the Harbour Board and there was an opportunity for questions on the content of the presentation.

The Harbour Board gave consideration to a report providing an update on the status of Argyll and Bute Council as Harbour Authority and it’s compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code.

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board –

1.     noted the content of the submitted report;

2.     approved the Moorings Policy for inclusion with the Marine Safety Management System; and

3.     approved the new Marine Safety Plan for 2024 to 2026.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated February 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

The Harbour Board gave consideration to a report providing a review of the marine infrastructure works Asset Management Plan.  The report included an update on significant and major programmes currently planned and underway within Argyll and Bute Council’s Marine Asset Management Plan.

The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services advised verbally that there had been interest from community groups on Iona regarding the creation of the marina.  He advised that there was no intention to carry out marine works at this time as the works would be complex and would require significant dredging and removal of rock; in addition the environmental impact assessment and licences that were in place would not allow for these types of works and therefore would cause significant delay to the breakwater project.  He advised that the focus at the moment was the breakwater project and ensuring the continuity of ferry services; and in the future, if the Council were so minded, they could look at the development of a marina facility.

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board –

1.     noted the update on the major programmes currently being addressed within the Argyll and Bute Council’s Marine Asset Management Plan;

2.     noted that £28.75 million worth of capital works were underway or were about to commence in the financial year 2024 / 2025;

3.     noted that there was a potential spend of c. £129 million over the next 5 years, the majority of which would support the new CMAL & CFL / CalMac fleet renewal; and

4.     approved the award of £15 million works for the Iona breakwater project.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated February 2024, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Infrastructure

A report clarifying comments made in the earlier reports of 31 August 2023 and 31 January 2024, in relation to Oban Harbour Revision Order, were before the Harbour Board for noting.

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board noted the update provided within the submitted report.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated 29 February 2024, submitted)

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board workplan was before the Harbour Board for noting.

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board noted the content of the workplan.

(Reference: Argyll and Bute Harbour Board Work Plan dated 21 March 2024, submitted)