The Harbours Act, 2015 identified a number of local authorities to take full ownership or a shareholding in harbours in their council area. To support our Members in the management of the risk associated with this significant change, IPB Insurance delivered a conference which included a site visit to Fenit Harbour.

Day one began with a presentation by Charlie O’ Sullivan, Director of Services, Kerry County Council, providing a practical overview of how Kerry County Council approached the take-over and management of Fenit Harbour in 2013 to 50 delegates.

This was followed by a trip to Fenit Harbour where Don O’Herlihy, Engineer, Kerry County Council, gave delegates a tour of their facility and highlighted the various risks that need to be considered and precautions that need to be taken.

On day two, 60 delegates heard presentations on the implications of The Harbours Act 2015, managing risk, the role of the marine loss adjustor, the management of claims and took part in a workshop on developing a Harbour Management System and structures to support good governance. Presentations were given by Edmund Sweetman (BL, Meana Green Maura), Ivor Heavey (Risk Advisor, IPB Insurance), Eamonn Magee (BL.LLB, O’Callaghan Kelly Solicitors), Matt Rafferty (Head of Underwriting, IPB Insurance), Barry Doyle (Director, Technomarine) and Vincent Hayes (Environmental Engineer).

Representatives from Cork County, Donegal, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Galway City, Galway County, Kerry, Louth, Mayo, Sligo, Waterford City & County, Wexford and Wicklow attended and there was excellent engagement during the workshop session. The event was a great success with very positive feedback from both delegates and external speakers.