Plans to improve shelter and provide additional berthing facilities for fishing boats, pleasure craft and visiting yachts at Burtonport Harbour in County Donegal are being promoted by a local harbour committee.
The Burtonport Harbour Committee says it is advancing proposals for floating pontoons, managed visitor moorings and a new breakwater to improve conditions at the northwest Donegal port, which serves as a gateway to Arranmore Island and the surrounding islands. The proposals would add to Ireland's network of harbours used by coastal cruisers.
The initiative follows regeneration works on the harbour's landside facilities, including improvements to the public realm, transport infrastructure and harbour terminal, according to the committee.
John Paul Baska, chairman of the Burtonport Harbour Committee, says the focus is now turning towards marine infrastructure to accommodate demand from recreational boaters and commercial harbour users.
Floating Breakwater Proposal
A concept proposal prepared in September 2026 illustrates how a floating breakwater could provide additional protection for vessels using the harbour.
The committee says Burtonport is exposed to strong winds and gales from several directions, particularly the west and northwest, creating difficult conditions for boats berthed alongside the existing pier.
According to the proposal, a breakwater positioned north of the pier could almost double the sheltered harbour area, improving berthing conditions during the summer and much of the winter.
The committee also highlights pressure on existing facilities during the peak season, when fishing vessels and recreational craft compete for limited berthing space. Its submission cites previous incidents involving damage to fishing boats during severe weather and argues that improved shelter would address a longstanding safety concern.
New Opportunities for Visiting Yachts
The proposed improvements are also intended to strengthen Burtonport's role as a stopping point for yachts cruising the northwest coast.
Located between Fahan Marina on Lough Swilly and Killybegs Harbour further south, Burtonport offers access to the islands and cruising grounds off the Donegal coast. Afloat has previously reported on Arranmore's ferry connection with Burtonport.
The committee estimates distances of approximately 50 nautical miles from Fahan and 40 nautical miles from Killybegs, making the harbour a potential overnight destination for yachts undertaking coastal passages.
The Burtonport proposals also echo the objectives of the EU-funded Cool Route project, promoted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club in partnership with Donegal County Council and other European organisations between 2015 and 2017. That initiative sought to develop cruising opportunities between Cork and Norway, identifying gaps in marina and pontoon facilities along Ireland's west coast. Its research highlighted the importance of sheltered stopovers and direct access ashore for visiting yachts, priorities reflected in the current Burtonport proposals.
Its longer-term ambitions include modern floating pontoons, secure berthing and managed visitor moorings. The committee believes these facilities could encourage more visiting yachts to stop in Burtonport, bringing additional activity to the harbour and surrounding community.
Harbour Development at Concept Stage
The floating breakwater is presented in the committee's September 2026 brochure as a concept proposal, rather than an approved construction project. The submission does not establish a confirmed construction timetable, funding package or planning approval for the proposed marine works.
The committee is seeking to build awareness of the initiative among yacht clubs, cruising associations, marine contractors and potential harbour users. Boaters interested in the proposals can contact John Paul Baska, chairman of the Burtonport Harbour Committee, on 087 366 7625.
