The long-awaited Greencastle harbour breakwater in Inishowen has been officially opened.
The 270 metre breakwater will reduce vulnerability of vessels within the harbour to wave climate, improve the safety and effectiveness of the harbour for all users, including for tourism and leisure users availing of pontoon facilities.
It will also minimise impact of the natural tidal flow through the mouth of Lough Foyle.
Speaking at the opening Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said: “Greencastle is an important gateway harbour to the northwest region. The breakwater is vital for the growth and sustainability of this harbour and furthermore vital for the growth and sustainability of the Inishowen Peninsula.”
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provided funding of €22m for the construction.
The concluding phase came through the department’s Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure, which was designed to address the impacts of Brexit on the seafood sector.
Leas-Chathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Gerry McMonagle said the department’s investment in Greencastle was one of more than 25 made around Donegal’s 1,100km of coastline.
Mr McMonagle said: “This coupled with co-funding of €3M from the council will support our coastal and fishing communities and enable them to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.”
