Minister Charlie McConalogue has today announced a new €35 million fund to rejuvenate public piers and harbours.
This new fund comes under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) and was one of the recommendations of the Seafood Sector Taskforce.
The Taskforce report published last October said that the structural integrity of many coastal structures such as piers and harbours has declined in recent years.
It’s recommendations included suggesting that BAR funding be used for work on publicly owned coastal and marine infrastructure.
This is to help address the economic implications that Brexit has for the Irish fishing industry.
This scheme targets projects which are ‘shovel-ready’ and ready to begin construction, with a budget of up to €1 million over 2022 and 2023.
It also offers the possibility of funding larger projects where there is particular exposure to Brexit due to proximity to UK waters and loss of fishing opportunities.
Announcing the scheme, Minister McConalogue said “This record funding for our coastal communities is an unprecedented opportunity for us to invest in our publicly owned piers and harbours and will shape the future of our coastal communities.”
“Brexit has and will continue to affect our seafood sector in a unique way compared to other industries.”
“I am delighted to be able to offer this level of investment so that we can deliver safe, accessible, lasting infrastructure and support economic diversification right around our coastline.”
