Donegal County Council allocated funding for six marine infrastructure projects

The funding has been secured through the 2026 Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme

Published 20th May 2026, 11:54 BST Repairs will be carried out at Greencastle Harbour funded by the Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme The funding has been secured through the 2026 Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.

Donegal has been allocated €577,500 for six marine infrastructure projects.

The six projects that will benefit are Greencastle Harbour, Donegal Bay, Ballyshannon Pontoons, Cassan Sound, Ballysaggart St John Point, and Burtonport Harbour.

The funding has been secured through the 2026 Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will co-fund up to 75% of project costs, subject to a maximum grant of €187,500 per project, with the balance to be provided by the respective local authorities.

Greencastle Harbour has received €187,500 funding for the repair of damaged and deteriorating piles. Donegal Bay received allocated funding of €60,000 to repair and replace essential navigation markers.

An allocation of €187,500 was made to upgrade the pontoons in Ballyshannon. There was €52,500 allocated for structural repairs at Cassan Sound, St John’s Point, while Ballysaggart received €15,000 for repairs to the wall at the pier.

Burtonport Harbour was allocated €75,000 for the development of a steel-framed maintenance shed. The overall cost of the Donegal schemes is €770,000, with Donegal County Council contributing €192,500.

“Donegal has one of the longest and most diverse coastlines in Ireland, and the projects approved today reflect real needs on the ground, from harbour repairs to navigation safety and improved marine facilities,” Fianna Fáil TD Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher commented. “I commend Donegal County Council for its strong engagement with the scheme and for putting forward high-quality proposals that will deliver meaningful benefits for our communities.

“I want to recognise and commend Donegal County Council for its substantial contribution of €192,500 towards these projects. This local investment, combined with national funding, ensures that vital works can proceed without delay and that our coastal infrastructure continues to serve the needs of communities, fishermen and marine users.”

The announcement was made by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, TD.

“I am delighted that every coastal Local Authority that applied for funding under this year’s scheme is set to benefit,” Minister Heydon said. “These projects will deliver tangible improvements to essential marine infrastructure, supporting our fishing and aquaculture sectors while also enhancing amenities for tourism and recreation. Investment of this nature plays a vital role in sustaining and growing economic activity in our coastal and rural communities.”

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Minister Dooley added: “The strong level of engagement from local authorities, reflected in the quality and scale of applications received, demonstrates the ongoing need for targeted investment in our coastal infrastructure. Over the past five years, this scheme has supported 161 projects with a combined investment of over €59 million. The 57 projects approved today will build on that progress and deliver meaningful benefits for coastal communities across the country.”

This annual scheme supports capital investment in coastal infrastructure owned by local authorities, including pier and harbour repairs, slipway upgrades, safety enhancements, and the development of marine leisure amenities.

“The investment in our local piers and harbours is critical to the fishing and aquaculture sectors,” Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue said. “I look forward to work commencing on the six Donegal projects as soon as possible.”

“The funding will target vital upgrades across the county, including repairs, accessibility enhancements, and structural improvements to publicly owned piers and harbours. The enhanced facilities will ensure safety for local mariners, support the livelihoods of coastal fishers, and improve the overall visitor experience along the Donegal coast,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added.

In February, Minister Dooley announced €4.33 million in funding for the 2026 scheme. Applications totalling over 100 project proposals were received from 13 coastal local authorities.

Local authorities have until 31 October 2026 to complete all works and submit their claims to the Department.

Related topics: Donegal County Council Dail Éireann Charlie McConalogue Pat the Cope Gallagher Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.