Funding for a business case to improve Mayo’s Roonagh pier has been approved by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary.
The sum of €157,300 has been sanctioned to prepare the preliminary business case for improvements, Calleary told island representatives in Westport, Co Mayo.
Roonagh pier, mainland base for ferries serving Clare and Inishturk islands, is exposed in certain weather conditions and was particularly badly hit by overtopping waves and swell generated by Hurricane Erin in late August.
The need for improvements at Roonagh pier was identified as a priority action in an Islands Connectivity Report for Clare Island and Inishturk, commissioned by Mayo County Council with funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Calleary’s department said the funding would enable Mayo County Council to appoint consultant engineers to prepare the preliminary business case, incorporating a strategic assessment, for marine infrastructure improvement options.
“I have recently visited both Clare Island and Inishturk and I am very well aware of the need for progress at Roonagh, and I am delighted to confirm the necessary funding is now in place to proceed with preparing the preliminary business case, an important first step for this essential infrastructure development,” Calleary said.
“I am also very conscious that there are urgent and necessary upgrades required at both Clare Island and Inishturk piers, and I have instructed my officials to continue to work with Mayo County Council in this regard,” he said.
“Access between the islands and the mainland is the most fundamental requirement for those living on our offshore islands and is a lifeline for island communities,” he said.
“ Access impacts on every aspect of island life, and the Government recognises that physical connectivity depends on the availability of safe harbours both on the islands and on the mainland.”
Mayo County Council chair councillor Seán Carey thanked the minister and his department “ for recognising the urgency of this project and for continuing to support our offshore islands”.
