Dunmore East Dredging to begin in July will cost €6 million – Minister Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has welcomed news that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and The Marine Simon Coveney TD has signed the contract for the dredging of Dunmore East Harbour for 2015. Minister Coffey said this is positive news and it is now expected works will begin in July with most of the work completed by September.

“In 2014 the government allocated €4 million towards the dredging of Dunmore East Harbour, however the tendering process attracted only a couple of tenders which were well above the monies allocated. The Government then retendered for this vital project earlier this year and a successful bidder has now been selected and the total costs of the works will be €6 million.

“This investment will be a massive boost to Dunmore East and act as a stimulus for increased commercial activity in Waterford’s leading harbour. When complete, not only will the harbour be more accessible to larger vessels, landing times and vessel management will be much improved as will the availability of the syncrolift, which is required to raise vessels to facilitate their repair and maintenance.”

“Dunmore East is a vibrant fishing village and hosts local, national and international sailing and boating competitions. Over the course of the last number of years Dunmore East has had significant investment, with the upgrading of the Water Infrastructure at a cost of €2.6 million. Capital investment has also been provided for improvement works of the slip at the harbour at a cost of €450,000 along with other investments that have allowed for the upkeep and refurbishment the pontoons at the harbour.

“I have continuously worked with Minister Coveney on this issue since my election to the Dáil and appointment as Minister of State and brings to over €10 million invested in the village since this government came to office in 2011. I hope this project when completed will help to attract further competitions and visitors that will support the local tourism and hospitality sector in Dunmore East.”

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