This is the view of the “Packet Pier” in Wicklow Town as snapped on Sunday 5th March. The two ugly looking monstrosities on the pier are cement silos which were supposed to deliver great benefits to the port.

They were built over 15 years years ago, have never been used and are still standing. Local councillors have raised the issue once or twice about these white elephants but it’s doubtful that anyone will deliver an ultimatum to the commercial owners of the silos and tell them to remove these blots on the landscape. One presumes that planning permission was given on the basis that some benefit would be delivered. As this has not happened, surely there is a breach of that planning permission.

Directly opposite the silos there is a huge sign warning local fishermen that they can be fined up to €3,000 for leaving bait on the quayside. The fishermen are unable to get planning permission for a storage facility for bait on the quay.

It’s a pity the local authorities or the harbour authorities cannot compel the removal of the two redundant silos. It is an even bigger pity that local fishermen can’t get bait storage facilities so they can continue the fishing tradition in the port. Some believe this is part of a plan to drive them out of the port to make way for a marina development