Development of a marina on the Aran island of Inis Mór is one step closer with Brexit-related funding approved by Minister for Marine Charlie McConalogue.
A sum of 475,000 euro has been granted for the provision of a floating pontoon berthing face at Cill Rónain pier on Inis Mór, being 95 per cent of the quoted cost of 0.5 million euros for the project.
The remaining five per cent must be provided by the local authority, as in Galway County Council.
Pontoons have already been developed for both sailors and inshore fishing vessels at Ros-a-Mhíl harbour in south Connemara which is main ferryport for the Aran islands.
Galway harbourmaster Capt Brian Sheridan said the pontoons would bring “improved access and safety for leisure sailors, and will drive economic gain” for businesses at Cill Rónain.
“It’s been a great week for everything marine in the west, “Capt Sheridan said, referring to the Port of Galway being brought under the umbrella of the TEN-T network, support from the European Investment Bank and the development of leisure pontoons at Cill Rónain.
The funding is part of the second tranche of the local authority marine infrastructure scheme (BALAMI) financed through the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) – the EU funds provided to Ireland to compensate for the impact of Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.
The second round involves 54 new projects in total around the Irish coast, and additional monies for 19 previously approved projects which had requested additional aid in light of cost increases.
The minister also raised the rate of funding provided for all projects to 95%.
It brings total funding for the BALAMI scheme to €55.3m for 164 projects around the Irish coast.
BAR funding must be drawn down by the end of 2023 or it will return to Brussels.