Two Co Clare piers have been included in a a €2.2m Capital programme for 39 Local Authority Harbour projects.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, announced details of a €2.2m package to assist 12 Coastal Local Authorities undertake and complete.
Co Clare is set to receive over €172,000 for works at Carrigaholt and Querrin.
€30,000 of the €172,500 will be provided for safety signage at slipways.
The package provides funding for maintenance and repair works in addition to supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour facilities including some marine leisure developments.
The Minister said; “I am delighted to announce the continuation of our programme to assist Coastal Local Authorities in the repair and development of fishery and aquaculture linked marine infrastructures under their ownership”.
The Local Authority programme forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines’ 2019 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, whereby the Department co-funds up to 75% of the total cost of approved projects with the Local Authority providing the balance.
The Minister went on to say; “The Local Authority owned harbours in receipt of funding under this year’s programme play a critical role in the social and economic wellbeing of rural coastal communities. In addition to an immediate employment spin off during the works, this funding contributes to the ongoing development of fishing related activities, increasing participation in marine leisure and supplementing measures to attract greater numbers of tourists which ultimately create the environment for sustainable job creation opportunities in rural locations”
Minister Creed concluded the announcement by saying; “The €2.2m package I am making available in 2019 provides funding for a diverse suite of projects geographically spread across 12 Local Authorities which will enhance the amenities provided to the wider Marine community in these coastal areas. It continues my commitment to rural development and builds on the success of previous programmes”.