#IrishHarbours - Marine Minister Simon Coveney today (13 December) attended the signing of a contract with L&M Keating Ltd for the remediation and harbour improvement works at North Harbour on Cape Clear, Co Cork.  

Welcoming the commencement of the project, and referring to the benefits of this significant investment, the minister said: “This initiative will provide much needed infrastructural improvement and will provide employment during and after the construction phase giving an opportunity to develop the island’s economic potential as well as boosting quality of life on the island.”

The minister has responsibility for North Harbour on Cape Clear which, as the safest landing location on the West Cork island, is of infrastructural importance to the island population. 

The pier known as 'Bull Nose' has been deteriorating in recent years and has been the cause of some concern. This major project will stabilise and upgrade the pier and provide a storm gate between the two harbour piers. 

The minister said that the development "is part of a wider Government strategy for capital investment in various harbours throughout the country in 2014”.

He added: “I view this project as a testament to this Government's support of island communities and will be paying particular attention to its progress during the course of 2014.”

The works will be carried out by an Irish company L&M Keating Ltd, Building & Civil Engineering Contractors, Kilmihil, Co Clare. 

The project will significantly improve shelter within the outer basin of the North Harbour and will cost in the region of €4 million, which will be funded through the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine's Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. It is due to be completed by the end of 2014.