The Government is to fund a €25 million investment to create a deep-water quay facility in Ros an Mhíl, Co Galway.
Cabinet is to be briefed on the plans, which will be funded by the fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure programme, by Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue on Tuesday.
The intention is to bring facilities at the State-owned fishery harbour centre up to par with major fisheries hubs such as Killybegs, Co Donegal, and Castletownbere, Co Cork.
Around €7 million worth of fish was landed at Ros a Mhíl in 2020, primarily from Irish vessels. However, it is anticipated that the deep-water quay will attract larger fishing vessels, including non-Irish trawlers. It will build out an additional 200m of quayside and add 70 per cent greater depth.
It is believed that the new facilities could also allow for the development of other industries, including servicing offshore wind farms. The development of offshore wind off the west coast is seen as a key part of increasing the amount of wind power on the Irish electricity system.
The wider capital investment programme will see €38.3 million invested in the State’s six fishery harbour centre. The aim is to underpin wider development of the sector, as well as dozens of local authority-owned piers and harbours.
Under the scheme the department funds up to 75 per cent of the balance of approved projects, with local authorities coming up with the remainder.
