The Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, has announced a €23.7 million (£30 million) investment programme for fishery harbours, piers and slipways in ten counties.

Funding for the first phase of major development projects at Killybegs, Co Donegal and Castletownbere, Co Cork are included in the programme, part of which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund. The overall costs of the Killybegs and Castletownbere projects are estimated at €44.4 million and €13.3 million respectively, and planning applications have been lodged in respect of both.