A 109-year campaign may finally bear fruit today when the Minister for Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Dermot Ahern, is expected to announce up to €7 million in funding for the building of a pier and breakwater at the fishing port of Cromane, Co Kerry.
Mr Ahern and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr O' Donoghue, are to attend a public meeting this morning at Cromane. Over the past century several ministers have attended public meetings at Cromane. This time, however, sources have confirmed that substantial grant aid is to be committed.
Cromane, near Killorglin, is one of the most important shellfish ports in the country, and has for almost two centuries sent mussels and wild salmon to France. Last year around 3,500 tonnes of mussels left Cromane. However, it has lacked a proper pier and landing area, and facilities have been primitive.
Some €6.5 million is to be provided, sources said, with the county council expected to give a quarter of this.
As well as a pier, a breakwater, dredging and on-shore facilities are to be provided.