Government Announces €6 Million Development at Ros a' Mhil Harbour
Improvements Will Offer Increased Ferry Operations
Dermot Ahern TD, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dermot Ahern, and Éamon Ó Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, today announced a €6 million investment programme for Ros a' Mhil Fishery Harbour in Co. Galway.
Sanction for the investment was given today in a development which will be jointly funded by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The development provides for the provision of a dedicated ferry berth, with a water depth of three metres. Also included in the development is dredging in the inner Harbour area and in the navigation channel.
Minister Ahern said: "There will be significant benefits arising from this development, including the separation of fishing and ferry activity, which will address many Health and Safety issues associated with the present operation. It will also free up the existing ferry berth for use as a cargo berth for servicing the Aran Islands. I am anxious to see enhanced ferry facilities available in Ros a' Mhil, which should further boost the commercial viability of the Harbour and provide added support for the Aran island communities.
Minister O Cuiv said: "This is a very important day for Ros a' Mhil and everyone who works out of the harbour. The tourist industry will benefit once the work is completed. This marks a significant move in implementing the proposed overall development proposals at Rossaveel. This will also facilitate the implementation of poropsals in relation to the recent study on ferrys services to the islands published by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs"
Three million euros in funding is available from Minister Ahern's Department funds (€2 million in 2004 and €1 million in 2005), with matching funding from the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.