Over €4.8m for 57 coastal infrastructure projects

Ministers Martin Heydon and Timmy Dooley have announced funding allocations under the 2026 Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme, with more than €4.8 million to be shared across 57 projects at piers, harbours and slipways around the Irish coast.

Every coastal local authority that applied for funding will receive support under this year’s scheme. Projects include pier and harbour repairs, slipway upgrades, safety works and marine leisure facilities.

Minister Heydon said the investment would deliver real improvements to essential infrastructure, supporting fishing and aquaculture while also boosting tourism and recreation in coastal communities.

Minister Dooley noted that the scheme has backed 161 projects worth more than €59 million over the past five years. “The 57 projects approved today will build on that progress and deliver meaningful benefits for coastal communities across the country,” he said.

The scheme was initially launched with €4.33 million in February, following strong interest from local authorities. More than 100 project proposals were received from 13 coastal councils, prompting the Department to increase the total allocation to €4.8 million.

Under the scheme’s terms, the Department co-funds up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant of €187,500 per project. Local authorities must meet the remaining balance themselves.

Minister Dooley stressed the importance of getting works underway quickly, saying his Department would work closely with each council to ensure full drawdown of funding within the year. All works must be completed and claims submitted to the Department by 31 October 2026.

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council	DLR Harbour	Berth 4 land upgrade	€204,300.00	€153,225.00
	Boatyard Cradles	Provision of new boat storage cradles in the Public Boatyard	€40,000.00	€30,000.00
Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Total			€244,300.00	€183,225.00

Grand Total