Fishery Harbour Centres

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Questions (816)

Conor D McGuinness

Question:

816. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a complete breakdown of spending for fisheries, harbours and marine leisure in the 2026 Revised Estimates outlined in the sectoral economic investment section; to provide the total breakdown of spend in 2025, in tabular form. [4192/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute.

In addition, my Department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of North Harbour at Cape Clear, along with a small number of specific piers, lights, and beacons throughout Ireland, in line with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights, and Beacons Act.

Furthermore, as part of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department has provided limited funding to assist coastal local authorities in implementing small-scale shovel-ready projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours, and slipways in their ownership.

The attached table outlines the total breakdown of expenditure in 2025, taking in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, Cape Clear, Piers Lights and Beacons and the Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme.[<ahref="https:/data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2026-01-20_pq-816-20-01-2026_en.pdf">PQanswer</a>]

I am happy to announce that continuing investment in our marine infrastructure has been provided for in the budget estimates for 2026. This investment will provide immediate tangible benefits by improving harbour facilities, boosting safety and efficiency and by providing ongoing access and support for our fleet and producers. In the longer term, the investment builds on the essential foundations already laid for a more productive, sustainable and economically viable fishing sector. Final allocations at programme level, are currently being drafted.