Almost €500,000 of capital funding approved for upgrade of marine areas in Waterford – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Friday) welcomed news from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, that approval has been given for almost €500,000 for capital works projects in marine leisure and tourism infrastructure. This funding will cover three projects in Tramore, Boatstrand and Abbeyside and will be 75% funded by the Department, with the remainder coming from the Local Authority.

“This funding will help to improve facilities in marine areas around Waterford and follows on from significant funding that has already been approved for other areas in Dunmore East, Helvick Head, Balinacourtney and Dungarvan Harbour. This new allocation will mean that harbours and marine areas in Waterford have received in excess of €1 million in 2013 to improve facilities and make them more accessible.

“Developing these areas and improving facilities will make these areas more user friendly for everyone in the community. The funding of these projects will be as follows;

1. Tramore, Slipway upgrade – total cost €100,000
2. Boatstrand, West Quay, realignment of slip and enlargement of existing hard standing – total cost – €150,000
3. Dungarvan – Abbeyside Water Development, improved access, seating, pathways – total cost – €245,000

“We are lucky in county Waterford to have a magnificent coastline that is very attractive for tourists; however, it is critical that we continue to invest in maintaining access to our harbours and marinas. This funding will be a boost for these towns and will make them more attractive for visitors and locals alike. I am pleased that significant funding has been allocated for these types of projects over the course of the last couple of years and I am hopeful that these harbours and marinas will continue to flourish for years to come.”