Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, has unveiled a €4.33 million funding allocation for 57 marine infrastructure projects across 11 coastal local authorities in Ireland. This initiative is part of the 2025 Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, which aims to enhance publicly owned harbours and support the sustainable development of coastal communities. (Donegal Live)
The funding will assist local authorities in the maintenance and development of fishery and aquaculture-linked marine infrastructure under their ownership. Minister Dooley emphasized the importance of these investments in sustaining the economic and social well-being of rural coastal communities. He noted that the projects will not only improve facilities for the fishing sector but also promote marine leisure activities and tourism, leading to sustainable job creation in these areas. (marine-ireland.ie, gov.ie)
Minister Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, highlighted that this €4.33 million allocation is the largest funding for the Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme in recent years, outside of the one-off Brexit Adjustment Reserve funding administered under the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023. (gov.ie)
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will administer the programme, co-funding up to 75% of eligible project costs, with local authorities providing the remaining balance. Minister Dooley encouraged local authorities to submit their claims before the November deadline, ensuring the timely delivery of these vital projects. (gov.ie)
This funding underscores the government’s commitment to investing in Ireland’s coastal infrastructure, supporting the fishing industry, and fostering sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD Picture by Houses of the Oireachtas Ireland Media Team
