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More than €4.8 million has been allocated to 57 marine infrastructure projects around the Irish coast under the 2026 Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme.

The funding package, announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon and Minister of State for Fisheries Timmy Dooley, will support repairs and upgrades at piers, harbours, slipways and marine leisure facilities nationwide.

Applications were received from all 13 coastal local authorities, with Government increasing the original €4.33 million allocation announced in February to €4.8 million.

As Afloat reported eleswehere, West Cork harbours arec due to receive 500k in upgrades as part of the allocation.

Minister Heydon said the scheme would support coastal economies and improve essential maritime infrastructure.

“I am delighted that every coastal Local Authority that applied for funding under this year’s scheme is set to benefit,” he said.

“These projects will deliver tangible improvements to essential marine infrastructure, supporting our fishing and aquaculture sectors while also enhancing amenities for tourism and recreation.”

Westward Works — Roundstone Pier in Connemara is set for quay wall repairs and new ladders under the 2026 marine infrastructure funding scheme

He added that investment in coastal infrastructure played “a vital role in sustaining and growing economic activity in our coastal and rural communities”.

Minister Dooley said the scale of applications reflected continuing demand for investment along the coast.

“The strong level of engagement from local authorities, reflected in the quality and scale of applications received, demonstrates the ongoing need for targeted investment in our coastal infrastructure,” he said.

He said the scheme had supported 161 projects over the past five years with combined investment exceeding €59 million.

The annual programme provides co-funding of up to 75% of eligible project costs, capped at €187,500 per project, with local authorities providing the remaining balance.

Eligible works include harbour and pier repairs, slipway upgrades, safety improvements and marine tourism infrastructure.

Minister Dooley urged local authorities to move quickly to begin works under the scheme.

“Now that the allocations have been announced it is important that the work commences without delay,” he said.

Local authorities have until 31 October 2026 to complete works and submit claims to the Department.

Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2026