Council working to provide facilities at popular boating spot

 

Donegal County Council is working towards providing facilities for leisure craft at the Boat Yard at Mevagh, but says there are a number of steps which must be taken before a project can begin.
The issue was addressed in a response to Cllr Liam Blaney, who asked what progress is being made in securing a new pontoon at the facility.
The Boat Yard at Mevagh is managed by Udaras na Gaeltachta, with the main activity involving the maintenance and refurbishment of marine vessels, including ferries, fishing vessels, aquaculture and leisure craft.
There is good natural shelter, but no suitable berthing area, apart from some makeshift floating facilities which are not constructed to any standards.
The council says it has recognised for some time the requirement to provide some facilities at this location to facilitate demand, particularly from the leisure sector.
A foreshore licence has been applied for, and a Hydrodynamic Assessment Report is currently being planned.
Consultants have been conducting a survey ahead of the production of designs.
A funding application will be made this year for €150,000 from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, with the possibility of funding from Bord Iascaigh Mhara’s FLAG programme.
The council is stressing the project remains a high priority on its programme of marine works.