Over €1m allocated to marine industry in Waterford fishing village

Over €1million has been allocated for the marine industry in Dunmore East. 

Waterford senator, John Cummins, welcomed today's (January 30) announcement of €1,320,000 for the region through the Fishery Harbour Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. 

Speaking about the news, he said, "I am delighted for Dunmore East, this allocation displays governments commitment to the marine industry and will help further the development of infrastructure around the Harbour which will have a positive impact on our fishing fleet and the land-based processing industry. 

"There is no question that Harbour areas such as Dunmore East have a positive economic benefit in the areas they operate I am happy to see the significant support which the harbour has received in recent years continue." 

He continued: "Fishing has always been important to Waterford, both socially and economically. The seafood industry plays a vital role in the sustainable economic viability of many coastal communities across our County and Country. It is vital that we strive for top class landing infrastructure to ensure we continue to be a place where a modern industry can operate safely and be efficiently serviced. The Government is committed to continue developing Harbours like Dunmore East." 

Today’s news is part of a wider announcement on capital projects in Ireland’s six state-owned Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth through the programme. 

Three hundred and fifty thousand euro has been allocated to a West Wharf fishing pontoon extension, with €150,000 going towards a new retaining wall along the cliff, €20,000 for an industrial effluent pipeline, and €50,000 for a workshop upgrade. 

Three hundred thousand euro will be spent on water metering, with the same amount spent on West Wharf extension and return, as well as €50,000 for a building replacement at Site 18, and €100,000 for Syncrolift repair and upgrade works. 

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, said, "The six Fishery Harbour Centres are critical infrastructure for our seafood industry. Approximately 90% of all fish landings into Ireland come through these facilities. This demonstrates how successful these Harbours have become as economic hubs for the Seafood industry.” 

The Minister added: "Ireland's 200 miles Exclusive Economic zone provides rich nursery and fishing grounds for our own fleet and for other EU fleets. The Irish Seafood industry and Government , working on the strategy set out by the industry led Seafood Taskforce, are committed to overcoming current challenges and building a strong sustainable Irish seafood industry on a bedrock of sustainably managed fish stocks.”