Rural Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has approval of a grant of €57,900 under the Small Quays Scheme 2009, to provide three more ladders on the new quay in An Spidéal.

The proposal is part-funded by Galway County Council who will provide another €19,300.

Minister Ó Cuív said: "I am delighted to approve this grant today and I know how important this facility is to boat users and the people who use Cé an Spidéil."

Meanwhile, the Minister recently opened a new community hall for Comharchumann Chléire Teo, in Skibbereen, Co Cork.

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This building, which houses a hall, three classrooms, a kitchen and an office, was built on the edge of the playing pitch on the Island.

Pat Reidy Plant Hire & Civil Engineering from Goleen was the main contractor.

Mr Ó Cuív's department approved a grant of €542,338 or 80% of the cost in order to help the Co-operative to provide the facilities.

In March 2008 an additional grant of €9,044 was approved to assist them in providing a system for the collection of rainwater. This was a total sum of €551,382.

The Minister said: "I have no doubt that there is a need for these facilities. There was no proper accommodation available for the Irish summer courses, the classes, the céilí sessions or the afternoon activities. First class facilities have been made available now."

(PR/KMcA)