A local councillor has said that a €75,000 hydraulic crane has sat idle for over a year on the Fanad Peninusla because the nearest 3 phase power supply is 3 kilometres away.
The issue over Ballywhorisky Pier was raised by local county councillor Aidy Glackin.
According to local fishermen no funding was every put in place to make the project operational.
While no official estimates were provided by the main energy companies to bring the 3phase power to the pier the fishermen understand the cost will be in the region of ‘tens of thousands of euros’.
In March last year Ballywhoriskey was also allocated a further €22,500 for concrete piling and dredging to maintain depth and provide anchors for seasonal pontoons.
However, the plan has fallen down since no funding was provided to extend the 3phase power supply to operate the crane.
And since its installation it has lain idle with strong evidence of rust, particularly on the bolt structure retaining the crane to the pier floor.
The issue has been raised at the Letterkenny Municipal District Meeting by Cllr. Glackin who says the logic of putting the crane in site with no funding for a power supply seemed quite ridiculous, but true.
He says that a number of other infrastructure deficits also need to be addressed at Ballywhoriskey.
The funding was part of a €4.5 million national funding package announced by Minister for Agriculture and the Marine, Simon Coveney, to carry out repair works following weather damage on piers and harbours.
The Department co-funded up to 75% of the total cost of approved projects with the Local Authority providing the balance.
Minister Joe McHugh announced last year that €723,750 has been allocated to Donegal County Council for the repair and development of harbours and slipways in 2016.
But Cllr Glackin suggested the crane may end up as a rusty ornament.
“It is truly amazing that when considering the need for a crane those involved failed to see that a proper power supply was their first priority. Now the crane may end up becoming a rusty ornament and a waste of scarce public money. I have no doubt the harbour can benefit from the use of this crane and the sooner the issue is dealt with and funded, the better for all concerned, “ added Cllr. Glackin.
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