A new stretch of quay on Dinish Island, at the Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre, has been officially opened today.

Junior Fisheries Minister Tony Killeen welcomed the launch of the 120 meter facility, which has been in operation since October 2008.

The new quay allows for larger vessels carrying deeper draft and will accommodate the new modern vessels which have entered the Castletownbere fleet.

Earlier today, Mr Killeen announced the total investment under the 2009 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Programme for the Castletownbere project will be in excess of €6.5m.

-- Advertisement --

This will complete the quay development at Dinish Island and provide a total of 210 meters of new quay with modern facilities.

Mr Killeen also paid tribute to the valuable contribution made by lifeboat services.

"During my visit to Castletownbere I took the opportunity to meet fishermen and to hear at first hand the issues of importance to them and I am committed to continuing to work closely with the federation of Irish Fishermen which includes the Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation to advance and resolve as many issues as possible and to drive forward the development of the industry as set down in the Cawley Strategy," added Mr Killeen.

(PR/JM)