Monday 12 March 2007

€16.8m for Greencastle Harbour Development

John Browne T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources has confirmed that an offer of grant-aid has been issued to Donegal County Council in respect of phase 1 of the Greencastle Harbour Development.

Phase 1 of the development involves the construction of a breakwater at an estimated cost of €16.8 million. This funding was approved under the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources 2007 Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure programme. Under this Programme the Department provides 75% funding and the Local Authority pays the balance of 25%.

However as Greencastle is in a CLÁR designated area, the Local Authority contribution is reduced to 12.5% with the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs contributing the other 12.5% under the new CLÁR scheme.

The recommended development option for Greencastle consists of four phases - which will provide a rock breakwater, fuel berth and mussel berth, new deep-water berths and additional berths to the inner harbour - estimated to cost in excess of €45 million. The proposed development at Greencastle has received full planning permission.

On receipt of a commitment from Donegal County Council to contribute the required 12.5% of the Phase 1 cost, the construction will commence. The project will be carried out by DCMNR engineers on behalf of Donegal County Council.

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