€525,000 investment in Mayo piers

A SUM of €525,000 is to be invested into four piers and harbours in Mayo.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, today announced details of a €3.1m package to assist 10 coastal local authorities undertake and complete 58 development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by them. 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 Mayo works announced are as follows:

Roonagh: Provision of a new crane and safety improvement works (€150,000).

Killala: Construction of equipped hardstand area to facilitate boat repairs/storage/waste management. Maintenance cleaning of silt from berthage/docking area. Safety works to steps, railings, etc. (€150,000).

Blacksod: Provision of a new crane and safety improvement works at Blacksod Pier (€112,500).

Ballina Harbour: Further repairs to harbour deck and provision of safe access to harbour area. Improve, upgrade and replace aids to navigation on River Moy approach channel (€112,500).

Welcoming the announcement from his colleague Minister Michael Creed, Minister Michael Ring said: ““The €3.1m made available in 2020 is testament to the commitment to assist in the ongoing economic and social development in our rural coastal communities. This enlarged scheme will provide a much needed economic boost to these communities given the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on rural areas.

“The diverse range of projects approved for funding under the programme are geographically spread across 10 local authorities and will not only create local construction employment over the lifetime of the projects, but equally will further enhance the amenities provided to the wider marine community in these coastal areas.”

Under the conditions of the funding, the government co-funds up to 75% of the total cost of approved projects, with Mayo County Council providing the balance.

* Pictured is Roonagh Pier. Image from O'Grady's Clare Island Ferry Co. Facebook page