€35m scheme announced to rejuvenate public piers and harbours

A new €35 million scheme to rejuvenate public piers and harbours has been announced.

The funding will be drawn down from Ireland's €1bn share of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund.

Local Authorities will oversee the projects, which it is hoped will provide a stimulus to coastal communities.

The UK's withdrawal from the European Union has presented major challenges to Ireland's fishing industry.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue described the funding as "an unprecedented opportunity for us to invest in our publicly owned piers and harbours".

Much of the marine infrastructure is in need of significant repair.

Projects can receive up to €1m each, with potential for further funding in cases where there is a particular exposure to Brexit. The funding will be delivered over a two-year period.

Altogether Ireland will receive less than €1bn through the EU's Brexit Adjustment reserve fund.

The Seafood Task force, established by Minister McConalogue following Brexit, has recommended that €80m be spent on Ireland's publicly owned marine infrastructure over the next five years.