DONEGAL County Council has promised to work with the community and pier-users in order to address any inconvenience caused by the controversial closure of Portsalon Pier during the summer season.
As reported in Thursday’s edition of the Donegal News, locals in Portsalon have expressed their anger at the news that the popular pier is to close on July 1 for two months to allow for planned repairs to the pier.
They say the timing couldn’t be any worse as it will impact on those local businesses who had been looking forward to what’s their busiest time of the year.
There are fears too that holiday-makers could be put off from visiting the facility because the popular attraction will be closed.
Funding for improvements at the pier was granted last December under the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023 with over €1.4m allocated for Portsalon.
The council say the money will be lost unless it is spent by November 3 next.
“It is therefore imperative that these works commence immediately to ensure all funding to complete the works can be availed of,” a council spokesperson told the Donegal News.
“Donegal County Council are fully aware of the inconvenience these works will create and will work with the community and pier users to take measures to mitigate this inconvenience.”
Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Liam Blaney attended a meeting with local businesses and concerned residents at the pier last week.
He said he can fully understand the concerns of those who will be impacted by the works.
“But the council is going to try and accommodate them as best they can,” he said.
“Portsalon is open for business this summer and visitors can look forward to a warm welcome as always.
“There are plans to place pontoons further out in the water and for those who like to go pier-jumping, they can go jumping off the pontoons.
“We know that the pier will be closed to boats too, so we’re hoping to have a system where boats can come in, leave people off at the pontoons and they can be brought into shore then in a smaller boat.
“We know this is not ideal.
“We understand that people are frustrated but the work has to go ahead.”
Over €40m in funding was announced for a host of projects, including Portsalon, Rathmullan, Burtonport and Bunbeg, by Minister Charlie McConallogue last December.
His government colleague Deputy Joe McHugh said the funding was good news for the county, but the fact that the money must be spent before November 3 is a real cause for concern. He wants that November deadlined extended.
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