A call has been made for urgent investment by the State to enable the harbour at Dunmore East, Co Waterford, to realise its potential.
An advisory board set up last year by the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey, says there has been no substantial investment in the harbour since the 1960s.
In terms of landings, Dunmore East is the State's second-largest fishery harbour after Killybegs, according to the group, but it is now "in dire need of development". It says a new breakwater is a minimum requirement so that the harbour can be enlarged to cope with the volumes of fish landed and processed at the port.
Improved slipway facilities and the provision of a marina are also being sought.
Mr Jonathan Torrie, a spokesman for the group, the Dunmore East Harbour Advisory Board, said it had held numerous meetings with the Minister.
He was "very supportive" of its plans.
"However, the board feel little else can now be achieved until the funding is put in place to progress the project to the design and planning stage," he said.
The board was appointed by Mr Fahey following discussions with the harbour's users group, which represents a variety of interests including fish-processors, co-ops, large and small fishing boats and the local sailing and adventure clubs.
The harbour-users are also strongly represented on the board.
Mr Torrie said the overall development envisaged would cost up to €20 million, but initial funding was being sought for the design, planning and engineering studies required to get the project off the ground. This alone would cost about €2 million.
"We're grateful to the Minister for the time he has put into this, but we're very concerned that nothing has happened yet. We're seeking a commitment before the general election to try to get the ball rolling," he said.
