Record €33m investment in harbours and coastal infrastructure for 2007

John Browne T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources has announced a record investment of nearly €33.32m in new Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Projects around the country.

The projects being funded are those that have been identified as priorities by both the Local Authorities and the Department's Engineering Division.

The single most significant new project, being undertaken this year, is the construction of a new quay at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre - €12m has been allocated for this project alone. The development of the harbour will allow for larger vessels carrying deeper draft and will accommodate all of the new modern vessels which have entered the Castletownbere fleet.

"The enhancement of our harbours and coastal infrastructure is an integral part of the Government's Marine Strategy, which I launched with An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D. earlier this year (Click Here). The funding provided today is concrete evidence of the Government's commitment to following through on this strategy - ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for the Irish seafood industry" - commented Minister Browne on making the announcement.

In addition to the funding of the five main Fishery Harbour Centres, the 2007 programme also proposes significant expenditure on small harbours - those harbours around the coastline under Local Authority control, which supplement and underpin the activities undertaken in larger harbours.

"Small harbours are the basis for the inshore fisheries and it is vital that local fishermen have access to safe, efficient harbours that ensure their contribution to the economy and help our coastal communities flourish" - continued the Minister.

"In addition to their importance to the fishing industry, many of the small harbours around our coastline are also crucial for the growth in maritime leisure activities and, indeed, in many cases, can be the heart of a local community. The funding provided, here today, is the first step along a path that will improve safety within our harbours for all users of the facilities" - concluded the Minister.