The package provides funding for the repair of piers damaged by recent storms, in addition to supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour facilities including some marine leisure developments.
Mr Coveney said: “This is a significant investment in the repair and development of fishery and aquaculture linked marine infrastructures owned by the Local Authorities.”
The Local Authority programme forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines’ 2016 Fishery harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, whereby the Department co-funds up to 75 per cent of the total cost of approved projects with the Local Authority providing the balance.
Mr Coveney went on: “The 90 Local Authority owned harbours in receipt of funding this year play an important social and economic role in their respective localities by contributing to the ongoing development of fishing related activities, increasing participation in marine leisure, and augmenting measures to attract greater numbers of tourists which ultimately create the environment for job creation.”
He concluded the announcement by saying: “This is a major contribution to the social and economic fabric of these coastal communities and underlines this Governments commitment to rural development.
"The diverse range of projects approved for funding under the programme are geographically spread across 11 Local Authorities which will not only create much needed local employment over the timespan of the projects, but equally will further enhance the amenities provided to the wider Marine community in these coastal areas.”
