RATHMULLAN Pier was officially reopened last Friday by Minister Charlie McConalogue TD together with Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Niamh Kennedy.

This major capital refurbishment project was delivered over a nine month period at a cost of over €4.5 million.

The pierhead, which was constructed in 1957, is accessed by a 120m long viaduct built in 1934.

Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport cuts the ribbon at the official re opening of the Rathmullan Pier on Friday last in the presence of Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Gerry McMonagle, Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford MD, Elected Members, Council Officials, Department Officials and guests. Photo Clive Wasson

A condition report confirmed that the pier and particularly the approach viaduct section needed repair.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme, provided €600,000 towards the works and further funding of €3.7 million was provided by the DAFM, co-funded by Donegal County Council.

It was proposed that the pier be completely refurbished, as well as the access viaduct, removing the need for the existing three tonne weight limit.

At the official re opening of the refurbished Rathmullan Pier on Friday last from left – John Campbell, Department of Agriculture Food and Marine, Sinead McSherry Assistant Secretary Department of Agriculture Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport and Manus McCallion Department of Agriculture Food and Marine. Photo Clive Wasson

This involved the replacement of the existing viaduct deck as well as other structural elements.

Contractors Cunningham Civil and Marine were awarded the tender to undertake construction works.

The official re-opening ceremony coincided with the Annual Blessing of the Boats hosted by the Rathmullan Sailing and Watersports Club and the crowd were entertained by the Colmcille Gospel Choir.

Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport cuts the ribbon at the official re opening of the Rathmullan Pier on Friday last in the presence of Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Gerry McMonagle, Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford MD, Elected Members, Council Officials, Department Officials and guests. Photo Clive Wasson