The detailed design of a major pier extension and an upgrade of the shipyard facilities on Dinish Island, Castletownbere, is moving forward.

The total tonnage of fish landed into Castletownbere has increased by 38% from 25,427 tonnes in 2011 to 35,004 tonnes in 2014. In addition the number of landings of fish from vessels of other EU Fleets into Castletownbere has increased by 272 % between 2011 and 2014, from 442 to 1,207. In 2015 up to the end of June there were 671 landings from other EU fleets compared to 573 for the same period in 2014.

The Minister for Agriculture, food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD said: "On foot of the overall increase in the tonnage of fish being landed into Castletownbere and the unprecedented success in increasing not only the foreign landings but also landings from our own fleet, I am making a commitment to finalise design of and seek planning permission for major development works in Castletownbere. These works will double the size of Dinish Wharf, through a 200 metre extension to the existing pier facility. The works will include dredging, a reconfiguration and upgrade of the boat yard and replacement of the syncrolift with an improved modern mobile boat hoist. The Preliminary Estimate for the works is between €15 and €20m subject to detailed Design and tender."

-- Advertisement --

The Minister also announced increased funding of €5m for a package of projects under the 2015 Fishery Harbours Capital Investment Programme. This brings the total capital investment under this programme in 2015 to €22.9m.

The additional €5m includes €3.9m for works at the six Fishery Harbour Centres, Cape Clear and other marine infrastructures owned by the Department and includes an additional €1.1m for 17 Local Authority projects.