Connacht's first public marina is expected to be built in Rosses Point, Co Sligo, following approval of £1 million towards the project by the Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey.
Planning permission has been granted for a 40-berth marina in Rosses Point at an estimated cost of £1.3 million. A foreshore licence for the project is also imminent, the Minister said yesterday.
Revised plans are being drawn up by designers Kirk McClure Morton, as the original design extended too far into the channel, according to Mr Keville Burns, Sligo YC commodore.
"We are delighted that the Minister had agreed to help finance it, and we hope it will be a significant boost to marine tourism in this area," said Mr Burns.
"This will be the first marina in this province and will fill a gap. There is no marina on this coastline between Kilrush and Coleraine."
The marina has been 10 years in gestation and has considerable local support, Mr Burns said. Sligo County Council has earmarked £200,000 for the project, while local investors have promised £180,000. It is hoped construction work will begin next year with a target completion date of June, 2002.
