The Government has approved construction of a €39 million harbour on the Aran island of Inis Mór - one of the largest infrastructural projects of its type for an offshore community.
The project also represents the largest yet funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, according to Minister Éamon Ó Cuív. It is being planned in conjunction with Galway County Council and will take three years to complete.
A total sum of €38.9 million will be used to construct a 550- metre breakwater at Cill Rónáin port, to widen and upgrade the pier, dredge a deep anchorage and provide specific cargo facilities.
The project will also fund the cost of a new station for the Aran island lifeboat, which is one of the busiest on the western seaboard. A covered walkway and parking will also be provided.
Inis Mór is the largest populated island on the Irish coastline, with 824 inhabitants according to the 2006 census. The island's population multiplies during much of the year due to tourism, which has imposed a heavy strain on existing facilities in Cill Rónáin harbour.
Pat Fitzpatrick, a prominent Aran fisherman, said that for the first time in 15 years, the island's fleet would be able to tie up in the port.
Most of more than a dozen fishing vessels owned by islanders have to berth in Rossaveal in Connemara, due to insufficient deep water and pier-berthing space.
"Fishing has been going through a very difficult time, but this new harbour may give it a boost - as may any downturn in the construction industry," Mr Fitzpatrick said yesterday.
The development has been welcomed as "great news" by Cathy Ní Ghoill, manager of Comharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo, the island co-op. It would change "the life of the island and the lives of islanders", she said.
Mr Ó Cuív said that the people of Aran had waited many years for safe and adequate facilities, and he had no doubt that the new port would greatly improve the island's economy.
Meanwhile a new temporary "bailey" bridge is due to open in the Connemara village of Leenane today, 10 days after the existing bridge collapsed in heavy rain. A pedestrian walkway has been in place for over a week, and the council plans to build a permanent structure. A one-way system will be in place for traffic using the bailey bridge.