The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, has announced details of a €28m Capital Investment Package for the ongoing development of Ireland’s Local Authority owned small harbor network.
In announcing the initiative, Creed said: “ The €28m I am allocating for the 2017 Fishery Harbor and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Program represents a significantly increased capital investment in the six Fishery Harbor Centers and other fisheries related marine infrastructure.”
“It is testament not only to this Governments ongoing commitment to the Seafood sector, but also to the success of the sector in terms of increased activity levels.”
The Annual Fishery Harbor and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Program provides funding for development works, safety and maintenance at the six Fishery Harbor Centers at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Ros an Mhil and Killybegs.
“I have set aside almost €25.5m towards development works, safety and maintenance at the six Fishery Harbor Centers which account for around 85% of all fish landed into Ireland. I have also proved €2.5m for a Local Authority Harbor Development and Marine Leisure program to assist coastal Local Authorities in the repair and development of small scale piers, harbors and slipways under their ownership,” added Creed.
Flagship projects in the 2017 Capital Program include major quay extensions at Castletownbere, Killybegs and Howth. Also of note is the dredging of the navigation channel in Dingle, the completion of the Small Craft Harbor in Ros an Mhíl and the West Wharf upgrade in Dunmore East.