A new public pontoon costing almost €600,000 has been officially opened at Schull in west Cork.
Designed for short-term berthing of small boats and yachts, it is a significant addition to local facilities and a welcome boost to the economy on one of the most isolated peninsulas in the country.
Speaking at today's opening ceremony, Cork County Council's Chief Executive Tim Lucey said the investment in Schull reflects how importantly the local authority views its marine resources as an economic driver.
The project was funded by the council, with grant aid from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as well as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
A busy fishing harbour, the west Cork village on the Mizen Peninsula is hugely popular with sailors vying for very limited pier space over the short summer season.
The new public facility has been widely welcomed locally especially by Schull Sailing Club.
Club stalwart George Dwyer said its benefits were especially clear to those taking part in last week's Calves Week - one of the country's biggest sailing regattas.
The club was among the first to use the new pontoon and bridge to ferry sailors to and from their boats throughout the week.
Mr Dwyer is also involved in the Schull Community Harbour Development Company, which had to shelve ambitious plans for a €7 million breakwater and 225-berth marina due to the recession.
However he believes the opening of the new public pontoon will aid their efforts to secure State and European funding for the bigger marina which has planning permission.
During today's ceremony, the boats in the harbour were blessed and a wreath was laid to commemorate all those who have lost their lives at sea.
