A yacht is carefully lifted onto a low-loader in front of the the old coastgaurd houses in Rathmullan this week as work begins on the pier in the seaside village. Photo: Brian McDaid
WORK has now commenced in earnest for the €4.6 million refurbishment of Rathmullan Pier with contractors, Donegal County Council and the local community group working together to ensure minimal disruption for visitors and locals in the seaside village.
This week boats tied up to the pontoon, which connects to the pier, were lifted out of the water by crane to allow the pontoon to also be removed.
This is necessary as the moorings holding the pontoon in place would interfere with the pier refurbishment work.
John Gallagher, a Director of Rathmullan The Way Forward Community Group who is also on the committee of the local sailing club told the Donegal News this week that everyone involved is working together to ensure minimum disruption under the circumstances and that the almost 200 year old Regatta will go ahead.
“Most of the space at the back of the pier is being used by the contractors carrying out the work and we are in discussions with them and the council.
“We are looking at alternative parking areas such as the field at the Resource Centre and the Priest’s Field which is beside the Catholic Church and we are in talks with the council on any signage required.
“There will be no pontoon this summer but boats can moor off and come in to the slipway in smaller boats as they used to do.
“The ferry will operate as normal and there is a traffic management system in place, with the slipway available for launching and retrieving small boats,” Mr Gallagher said.
He added that once the pier is refurbished they can look at getting cruise ships in and possibly increasing the number of pontoons.
Last weekend’s good weather brought a lot of visitors to the village and parking was not a serious issue.
“We are delighted to see the work going ahead on the pier to everyone’s benefit. We want visitors to Rathmullan to have the best possible experience.
“The sailing club and sailing school will be able to continue their activities unhindered this season.
“Having the pier refurbished opens up many possibilities for the area and local community,” he added.
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