The redeveloped Timber Jetty at Ballast Quay has been officially opened by the Sligo Harbour office.

Costing more than €1.8m, the scheme was completed in three phases.

Works were commissioned when the port was transfered into the hands of Sligo County Council, under the Harbour Act.

A grant was obtained from the Department of Transport's Marine Section to carry out necessary upgrades.

The first phase of the scheme was concerned with the design and construction of replacement commercial berthage at Barytes Jetty, new access and safety facilities at Timber Jetty and substantial improvements to the training wall which helps maintain the shipping channel to the port.

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This phase cost €640,000.

A further €630,000 was spent on a much needed replacement berthage at Barytes Jetty, which is said to be essential for the commercial future of the port.

The third phase of the works involved modification of the council’s jetty at Lynn’s Place, known as Timber Jetty.

Mayor Veronica Cawley lauded the project teams for providing the new facility, which she described as as being "critical to the commercial development of the harbour".

The Cathaoirleach, Jude Devins, spoke of the importance of Sligo Harbour in the context of the social and cultural history of the town.

Councillor Devins commended the harbour staff and project engineer Gary Salter for their work.

He also expressed his gratitude to Seamus Monaghan, "whose inspirational drive, ambition, acumen and perseverance kept Sligo Harbour alive when it was in danger of surviving solely as a foot-note of local history".

(PR)