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More than €500,000 in State funding has been allocated to five marine infrastructure projects in West Cork as part of a nationwide €4.8 million coastal investment scheme.

The funding, announced by Minister of State for Fisheries Timmy Dooley, will support pontoon replacements in Glengarriff, Courtmacsherry, Schull and Baltimore, alongside safety improvement works at Cleanderry West Pier.

Cork South-West TD and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan welcomed the allocation, saying the projects would improve access and safety for coastal communities.

“I’ve been advocating for years for more investment in our local piers and pontoons, which are essential infrastructure for coastal communities,” O’Sullivan said.

This weekend (May 22-24) Baltimore plays hots to the Wooden Boat and Seafood Festivals and in August, Schull hosts the annual Calves Week Regatta, both rely on essential marine infrastructure such as pontoons.

“In recent months I’ve been working closely with Minister Dooley to unlock additional funds and today I’m delighted to be announcing a really positive outcome for West Cork.”

A total of €505,641 has been allocated to projects in the region. Cork County Council will provide the remaining funding required, with the State grant covering around 75% of project costs.

O’Sullivan said the investment reflected the growing importance of marine tourism, fishing and maritime activity along the West Cork coast.

“For me, the amazing maritime history of West Cork combined with its fishing industry and the huge growth in eco-tourism and marine wildlife in recent years all point to one thing — the huge potential that can be unlocked in our region by investment in people’s access to the ocean,” he said.

“A vital step in this is new and better piers and pontoons, which today’s announcement will help to deliver.”

The projects approved under the scheme are: