Junior Fisheries Minister Tony Killeen has announced an investment of €6.9m towards the provision of pontoons at Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre, County Galway.

This funding is being provided under the Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2009 and is being co-funded by the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs.

The overall cost of providing the pontoons in 2008 and 2009 will be €8.86m with the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs contributing a total of €3m.

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This, the second phase of the project, will provide modern dedicated ferry berths that enable the separation of fishing and ferry activities.

It will also free up the existing ferry berths, thereby reducing congestion and enabling the provision of a dedicated berth for the Aran Islands cargo service boat.

Minister Killeen said: "Ros an Mhíl harbour is the main gateway to the Aran Islands. I am delighted to see the progress, which has been made to date on this development. The project is vital in developing both industry and tourism in the area.

"I look forward to seeing the completed project and to seeing the boost which it will no doubt provide to the local economy."

(PR/JM)