MORE than €7.5 million has been announced this morning for two new harbour projects in Burtonport and Killybegs.
Confirming the substantial windfall, Donegal Minister Joe McHugh described it as “massive investment boost” for the areas.
“This is a huge investment in two major plans – Killybegs and Burtonport and the coastal and Gaeltacht regions of the county will reap the rewards for years to come,” Minister McHugh said.
The Killybegs project is getting €3.6 million. It will be used to regenerate an old building in the town and turn it into a new tourism information centre and digital hub. The plan also includes turning a car park into a civic space.
“The vision here is to make Killybegs a more attractive place to live and work and visit,” said Joe McHugh.
In Burtonport €3.1 million is being invested by the Government to improve the infrastructure around the harbour and put shorefront amenities in place on Árrain Mhór. Facilities that link the island to the mainland are being invested in, something that is expected to drive the tourism, marine and leisure sectors in the area and support the ambitions of repopulation.
“This really complements the work that has already been done to make Árrain Mhór so well connected digitally,” Minister McHugh added.
His party colleague and candidate for the next election, Martin Harley, also welcomed the news.
“This is a phenomenal investment in two really important coastal parts of the county. This will have a first class impact for years to come,” said Councillor Harley.
The total cost of the Killybegs project is €4.8 million with €3.6 million funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The Árrain Mhór/Ailt a’ Chorráin/Burtonport project has a total cost of €4.1 million with €3.9 million funding from the RRDF.
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