Almost €30 million will be spent on projects at the six State-owned fishery harbours this year.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue confirmed the €29.7 million allocation for different projects taking place in Donegal, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Galway, and Dublin.
The State harbours are in Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl (Rosaveel), An Daingean (Dingle), Castletownbere, Dunmore East, and Howth.
Mr McConalogue said that around 87% of Ireland's fishing haul comes in through these facilities, making them "strategic hubs" for the seafood industry.
Since 2020, €116 million has been spent on these harbours.
Bord Iascaigh Mahara values Ireland’s seafood industry at €1.3 billion, and Mr McConalogue said today’s announcement "underpins this Government’s commitment to the sector".
He said more investment in it will help progress the delivery of major infrastructure and also go towards "climate resilience and the further development of Ireland’s Blue Economy".
Ros an Mhíl will see the bulk of the funds, with €17 million going towards a deep-water quay that is expected to be finished next year.
In Killybegs, €3.25 million will go towards The Smooth Point pier extension project which is scheduled for completion in the next few months.
Castletownbere’s harbour will see €575,000 go towards maintenance of its mainland quay – the west Cork town will see more phased investment over the coming years as part of a multinational project.
The Department also said some funds will be spent on works at a small number of other piers, lights, and beacons around the coast, and some maintenance works at Cape Clear, an island off the coast of Cork.
