Magnificent Dunbrody returns after €250,000 refurbishment
120FT VESSEL TO BE FUTURE-PROOFED WITH 100 YEAR PLAN
THE Dunbrody Famine Ship made a triumphant return on Tuesday morning to its moorings on the quayside in New Ross.
The 120ft long, 28ft wide vessel ship spent six weeks from early December to Tuesday last having vital repair and refurbishment work carried out in dry dock in the New Ross Boat Yard across The Barrow River. The ship also received a complete painting job.
The works were carried out by the skilled staff of the New Ross Boat Yard under the expert supervision of Michael and Stephen Kehoe, owners of the Boat Yard and Des Tyrell, the experienced marine surveyor. The works are part of a five to ten year programme of refurbishment and upgrade which the Dunbrody will undergo over the coming years,
Dunbrody CEO Sean Connick said: ‘The future-proofing of the vessel will be an ongoing process for the foreseeable future. These plans and works will include future possible options for the presentation of the ship. It is our plan to put a 100 year plan in place for the protection and preservation of the vessel.’
The difficult job of moving the ship was carried out – on the most suitable high tide – under the expert guidance of Captain Luke Foley and using the tow boat facilities of Billy Culleton.
Work on the ship was carried out every single day of the six week dry dock period except Christmas Day. Works included cleaning above and below decks, replacement of defective timbers and caulking or sealing of the top deck to prevent future water damage below decks. The hull was also thoroughly inspected and apart from some minor repairs was found to be in excellent condition.
Once those repairs were completed the workers set about painting the hull with two coats of primer and three topcoats. Internally the boat was completely cleaned out and repainted. All the surfaces were treated with fungicide and insecticide before painting
A new staircase for ease of access was installed. Preparations have also been made for the installation of a new elevator. A new heating system was installed which will help to combat damp and condensation.
All the electrical works were reviewed and updated and a new lighting system was installed.
All the ships rigging was examined and made good. 14 local people worked on the ship once, including Irish, Romanian, Lithuanian and Polish and all the materials used in the repairs and renovations were sourced locally, apart from some specialised fixings that had to come from the UK.
‘These works will make the Dunbrody Famine Ship an even better visitor experience. If the dry dock in New Ross was no longer in use the Dunbrody would have to be towed to another dry dock, possibly to Cork or even to the UK. The cost of those tugs could be as much as what is being spent on this short refit.
The Dunbrody will periodically have to be dry docked as she is no different from any other ship. Even the biggest ships sailing the ocean will visit a dry dock every two to five years,’ Mr Connick said.
Tom Enright, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, visited the Dunbrody whilst in dry dock and commented that the standard of workmanship carried out to the ship was of the highest quality and that he looked forward to the restoration of the magnificent Dunbrody alongside the quays in New Ross.