Minister McHugh welcomes details of a €291,000 capital funding programme for 5 Donegal Harbour & Pier projects

Donegal TD Joe McHugh has welcomed announced details of a €291,000 package to assist Donegal County Council to undertake and complete five development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by the council.

The package provides funding for maintenance and repair works in addition to supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour facilities including some marine leisure developments.

The Donegal piers which will be funded are:

• Malinmore – €60,000 for reconstruction of pier at berthing side, providing new decking with steps, ladder and safety railing
• Downings – €56,250 – repair to pier wall at seaward side
• Greencastle – €112,500 – reinforce existing piles by wielding steel plates to piles
• Bruckless – €18,000 – provision of a Port Hand Marker and light on pier to aid navigation
• Portmore, Malin Head – €45,000 – Replace old crane with new hydraulic pier crane

Minister McHugh said today: “I am delighted to announce the continuation of this Government’s programme to assist Donegal County Council in the repair and development of fishery and aquaculture linked infrastructure in small harbours under their ownership.

“Donegal pier projects in this latest announcement total €291,750 have been agreed today with Marine Minister Michael Creed. I am very grateful to Minister Creed for this allocation.

“It will allow important work on these five piers to now progress which will directly benefit the rural coastal communities involved.”

Minister McHugh continued: “There is a long term wider commitment from me to ensure that other piers and harbours are included in future funding.

“In terms of wider ambitions at Greencastle I am working with Michael Creed and his predecessor Simon Coveney to ensure the harbour gets investment for the future from capital funds, especially in light of Brexit, so that Greencastle can prosper and grow in terms of commercial activity.

“There is huge potential from many different aspects including in terms of commercial traffic and tourism.”

The Local Authority programme forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines’ 2017 Fishery harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, whereby the Department co-funds up to 75% the total cost of approved projects with the Local Authority providing the balance.

Minister Creed said today:  “The Local Authority owned harbours in receipt of funding under this year’s programme are fundamental to the wellbeing of rural coastal communities and play an important social and economic role in their respective localities by contributing to the ongoing development of fishing related activities, increasing participation in marine leisure, and augmenting measures to attract greater numbers of tourists which ultimately create the environment for job creation.”

The Donegal allocation is part of nationwide €2.8M announcement today.

ENDS