416,500 euro has been announced for the provision of a new and safe landing platform at Inishmurray Island off the north Sligo coast.
The total cost of the work is expected to be €490,000.
The absence of such a landing facility on Inishmurray has been an issue for some time after it was declared unsafe for boats bringing visitors to the island, which is an early-Christian monastic site as well as being an important wild bird sanctuary.
The money for Inishmurray comes from a total of €32.7m in funding for 110 projects around the coast announced by Minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue.
Donegal County Council is to get almost €15.5m for work on marine infrastructure at various locations along its coast.
Sligo County Council will be getting just under a €1m.
Apart from Inishmurray, a number of other Sligo areas will also benefit.
€212,500 is earmarked for masonry walls repair, replacement of navigation light, handrails and ladders at Mullaghmore Harbour.
€136,000 is going to Easkey for repair and protection of a seaward wall.
Sligo Harbour is getting €76,500 for repairs and welfare facilities while €25,000 is allocated for safety measures, provision of vehicle barriers and handrails at Pollnadiva Pier.
Other projects in Sligo to get money include Pollacheeney Pier, where almost €32,000 is to go for replacement of navigation lights..
Among the Donegal projects to benefit are Portaleen Quay Wall refurbishment, Rosbeg Leading Lights, Ballyshannon pontoons, Ballyness Pier refurbishment, Maghery Pier refurbishment, and work on Burtonport quay wall.
Minister Charlie McConalogue says in total 22 projects will receive funding in Donegal and Sligo:
Sligo TD Marc Macsharry says the funding for Inishmurray is to be welcomed, he says the funding will enable visitors to visit the attraction again.
Welcoming the funding announcement, local Councillor Marie Casserly says there’s now some housekeeping to be done in advance of work starting.
She also says the island needs to be managed properly with respect for its history and natural environment.
Junior Minister Frank Feighan says the local Authorities have been working over a period of time to secure funding for these projects.
