Ireland has allocated €27.75 million ($29.9 million) for capital projects in the country's publicly owned harbours in 2025.
The investment will modernise and enhance the six state-owned "fishery harbour centres" at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth, and includes funding for local authorities through a marine infrastructure sub-scheme
Approximately 87 per cent of all fish landed into Ireland each year arrives at the centres. In 2023, Bord Iascaigh Mhara valued the GDP of the Irish seafood industry at €1.2 billion.
The programme also provides for maintenance works at North Harbour on Cape Clear Island and a small number of piers, lights and beacons for which the department has responsibility.
A different scheme will provide funding for maintenance and repair works in addition to supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour facilities including some marine leisure developments.
Under the scheme, the government will co-fund up to 75 per cent of the eligible project costs with the local authority providing the balance.
"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," commented minister Timmy Dooley.