On March 13, 2025, Minister of State for Fisheries Timmy Dooley TD announced a €27.75 million funding boost for capital projects at Ireland’s Fishery Harbour Centres as part of the 2025 Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. This significant investment will modernize key facilities across six state-owned harbours: Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East, and Howth. The funding will also support local authorities through a sub-scheme for marine infrastructure development.
Minister Dooley highlighted the vital role these harbours play in Ireland’s seafood sector, with nearly 87% of all fish landed in the country arriving through these centres. In 2023, the Irish seafood industry contributed €1.2 billion to the national GDP, according to Bord Iascaigh Mhara. The government’s commitment to investing in these facilities underlines its dedication to supporting both the fishing industry and the economic vitality of coastal communities.
Minister Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, expressed that the program’s focus on modernizing fishery harbours directly contributes to the government’s wider goals of supporting sustainable development within rural coastal areas. The initiative aligns with the Food Vision 2030 strategy, which emphasizes environmental, economic, and social sustainability in the fishing and aquaculture sectors.
In addition to the harbour upgrades, the program will fund projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainability, such as the installation of renewable energy systems, water metering, and LED lighting. The scheme also includes maintenance work on historical structures like those at North Harbour Cape Clear.
The 2025 funding will also support the Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme, which co-funds maintenance and development of harbours owned by local authorities. With a record €4.3 million allocated for this scheme, it aims to boost the infrastructure necessary for aquaculture and marine leisure activities in rural communities.
This funding is a key step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ireland’s fishing sector and coastal tourism, fostering job creation and community development. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will oversee the allocation, working closely with local authorities to ensure the efficient implementation of approved projects.
Timmy Dooley Picture by © ALDE Party on Flickr CC BY-NC-ND
