There is a sense of celebration and achievement among Arranmore residents today after €3.1million was granted for the development of Burtonport Harbour and the Arranmore Shore Project.
The announcement has been hailed as a positive step forward for Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór and for Burtonport Port.
The funding, as announced by Minister Joe McHugh, will go towards facilities that link Arranmore to the mainland and a creative redevelopment of the island shorefront.
Comharchumann Manager Nóirín Uí Mhaoldomhnaigh said she was delighted with today’s news.
“I thought I’d never see the day,” she told Donegal Daily.
“This project is great for the island, for tourism and it will improve the appearance of the whole area.”
Site Layout plan for the redevelopment of Arranmore shorefront
Plans, which are 10 years in the making, will see a new car park being built, a new performance arena overlooking the beach with terraced seating and a viewing platform, among other public amenities.
Planning permission was granted for the space five years ago and has since been renewed.
Layout plan for the redevelopment of Arranmore shorefront
Now that the idea can be a reality, Nóirín said she is most looking forward to seeing the performance space being built and used for a variety of purposed.
“We are so delighted and grateful to Donegal County Council for prioritising this project to get us to this point,” she added.
Comharchumann board member and local councillor Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig said: “I’m aboslutely over the moon and so excited for this project. It’s going to be so important in terms of the development of Arranmore and the social, economical and living benefits on the island.”
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig paid tribute to the work of the Comharchumann board in bringing the project plans to this stage.
“Nóirín Uí Mhaoldomhnaigh, the manager, has been incredibly proactive on this in the last number of years.
“The work, time, energy and vision that Nóirín and her staff have put into this project is second to none.”
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said the project will be an ‘important, creative and progressive’ plan that will also develop infrastructure at Burtonport.
“The overall development is very exciting for West Donegal as a whole,” he said.
He expressed his confidence that investment will eventually come for one area which is in need of investment – the Arranmore ringroad.
Also announced today is a €3.6million fund for a new tourism information centre and digital hub and civic space at Killybegs. See more here: https://www.donegaldaily.com/2019/11/06/e7-5-million-secured-for-killybegs-and-burtonport-harbours/
Tags:
