The 270-metre Breakwater aims to improve the protection of vessels in the harbour against wave conditions, enhancing safety and efficiency for all users, including tourists and leisure enthusiasts using pontoon amenities. Additionally, it will mitigate the effects of natural tidal currents at the mouth of Lough Foyle.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provided total funding of €22m for the construction of the Breakwater over its two phases. The concluding phase through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure (BALAMI) Scheme 2022-2023 provided funding of €15.5m (of which €14.38m was secured from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve). The Breakwater project was the single largest beneficiary under the BALAMI Scheme and was considered the Scheme’s flagship project.
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The program aimed to address the effects of Brexit on the seafood industry by helping economic sectors, businesses and communities. Its goals included job creation, safeguarding existing employment, and fostering economic diversification. So far, the Scheme has allocated over €38.45 million to fund 149 capital projects along the Irish coastline.
Officially opening the Breakwater, Minister McConalogue said: "Greencastle is an important gateway harbour to the Northwest Region. The breakwater is vital for the growth and sustainability of this harbour and furthermore vital for the growth and sustainability of the Inishowen Peninsula.
"I must commend the standard and efficiency of the work completed by the principal contractor, Stephen McCormick of Foyle & Marine Dredging Ltd who had to contend with challenging tidal currents for the duration of the project. I must also commend the commitment of Donegal County Council who managed and delivered this project with project consultants Doran Consulting.
"The distribution of Brexit Adjustment Reserve funds have enhanced, upgraded, modernised and developed Ireland’s publicly owned coastal and marine infrastructure. Ultimately, I am excited to see what the future holds for local businesses and the local community."
Leas-Chathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gerry McMonagle said: "The investment made by Minister Charlie McConalogue in Greencastle is one of over 25 investments made by the Minister and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in our piers and harbours right around our county’s 1,100km of coastline. This coupled with co-funding of €3M from the Council will support our coastal and fishing communities and enable them to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise."
Greencastle relies heavily on fishing and the marine industry, providing jobs for nearly 200 people. It's a significant white fish port in Ireland, with a large fleet focusing on shellfish and crab. The town offers various fishing-related services like processing, engineering, boat building, and net making.
