The Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation is to call off a long-running protest and hand over about £300,000 in unpaid harbour fees after the Minister for the Marine, Dr Woods, announced yesterday that a new £20 million pier is to be built in the Co Donegal port.
All the fishermen using the port stopped paying fees to the authorities more than 1 1/2 years ago in protest at the poor condition of the pier, which they said was dangerous.
Mr Joey Murrin, of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation, said yesterday the money, which had been lodged in a bank account, would now be handed over.
"I am satisfied now that the goods will be delivered. I don't think I could say that without receiving assurances from every quarter possible. I want to say we are extremely grateful for this," he said.
Dr Woods made the announcement in Killybegs and said a detailed timetable had been drawn up for the project. Construction of the new pier will begin in the middle of next year and preparatory work has already started.
Tenders have been sought for an Environmental Impact Assessment and the contract for this work will be awarded within weeks. Dr Woods said tenders for the design were also being sought immediately and he expected the final design to be agreed within six months. A planning application would be made in March, and subject to approval, tenders for the construction work would then be sought.
A causeway to the proposed site has already been built and site investigation work would be completed within weeks. Dr Woods said it had been found that the site was suitable and the new pier would be 300-400 metres long and 35-40 metres wide.
The Minister said that as Killybegs was the main fishing port in the State, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of all landings, it was of vital economic importance to Donegal and the whole north-west region.
"This investment confirms the Government's commitment to ensuring the port's safety and economic viability," Dr Woods said.
Plans for a new slipway at Killybegs to facilitate the Irish Marine Emergency Service rescue boat and other tourism-related vessels were also announced yesterday. Dr Woods said a planning application had been lodged with Donegal County Council and subject to approval, work would start later this year and finish early next year.