Two major investments have been announced for new harbour projects in Killybegs and Burtonport in Donegal.
Details of the funding were revealed by Minister Joe McHugh today, who said that Killybegs and Burtonport and the coastal and Gaeltacht regions of the county will reap the rewards for years to come.
€3.6 million will go towards to Killybegs project for a new tourism information centre and digital hub and civic space.
In Burtonport, €3.1 million has been granted to improve the infrastructure around the harbour and put shorefront amenities in place on Árrain Mhór.
Dúirt an tAire: “Is infheistíocht ollmhór í seo in dhá mhórphlean – Na Cealla Beaga agus Ailt a’ Chorráin agus bainfidh réigiúin chósta agus Ghaeltachta an chontae tairbhe as sna blianta atá amach romhainn.
“Léiríonn sé seo go ndéanfaidh ‘Project Ireland 2040’ maith don chontae agus do na pobail a chónaíonn anseo.”
The funding has been secured through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
“This shows that Project Ireland 2040 will deliver for the county and for the communities who live there,” Minister McHugh said.
The Minister for Education and Skills said: “This is first rate investment in Donegal thanks to Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring.
“The Killybegs project is getting €3.6 million. It will be used to regenerate an old building in the town and turn it into a new tourism information centre and digital hub. The plan also includes turning a car park into a civic space.
“The vision here is to make Killybegs a more attractive place to live and work and visit.
“In Ailt a’ Chorráin/Burtonport €3.1 million is being invested by the Government to improve the infrastructure around the harbour and put shorefront amenities in place on Árrain Mhór. It is investing in facilities that link the island to the mainland and that in turn will drive the tourism, marine and leisure sectors in the area and support the ambitions of repopulation.
“This really complements the work that has already been done to make Árrain Mhór so well connected digitally.”
Fine Gael Councillor and candidate for the next election Martin Harley said: “This is a phenomenal investment in two really important coastal parts of the county. This will have a first class impact for years to come.”
The projects were approved for investment under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) after applications by Donegal County Council.
The total cost of the Killybegs project is €4.8 million with €3.6 million funding from the RRDF and the Árrain Mhór/Ailt a’ Chorráin/Burtonport project has a total cost of €4.1 million with €3.9 million funding from the RRDF.
