Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle has welcomed the announcement by Minister Leo Varadkar that €3.5m has been allocated to Arklow Harbour. The funding, allocated as essential remedial and safety works, are to take place in regional harbours throughout the country.
Speaking on the matter, Deputy Doyle stated, “In 2012, Arklow Harbour was transferred from central government control from Departmental management, to the more appropriate governance agency for its management, Wicklow County Council. As part of this transfer, I’m pleased to see that €3.5m has been allocated to Arklow Harbour for essential remedial and safety works.”
“The funding has been concentrated on remedial works to ensure that the harbour is in a fit condition in the coming years. It will pay for repairs and safety works on essential harbour infrastructure, and is likely to benefit the local economy, promote leisure activities and support the fishing industry.”
Specifically, the funding allows for the dredging of the harbour, sheet piling to the north pier, wave mitigation works and a slipway in the dock. Deputy Doyle continued, “Arklow Harbour plays an important role in the south Wicklow community in terms of fishing, cargo and leisure and plays an increasingly important role in tourism and watersports.”
“This €3.5m of funding will allow essential works at Arklow harbour on the pier, walls and essential harbour structures, and I look forward to the work commencing as soon as possible”, concluded Deputy Doyle.