More investment urged for Harbour Centre

OVER €4.2 million was invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre from 2011 to 2014.

And the Government has approved funding of €1.79 million for maintenance and development of the centre this year.  

Major works for 2015 include the continued upgrading of the electrical system, provision of a small craft pontoon and traffic management works.

The information was released to Dublin Bay North TD Tommy Broughan (Ind) from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, through a Parliamentary Question (PQ).

Howth is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres owned, managed and maintained by the Department under statute.

Deputy Broughan also sought information on the number of jobs maintained and created at the harbour over the lifetime of this Government.

Minister Coveney said employment statistics relating to the private and State organisations operating out of the centre were not available, 

“However, I am satisfied that the investments made by my Department in the infrastructure of the harbour are facilitating the maintenance and development of commercial, industrial, leisure and tourist related activity at the harbour and in the wider Howth area,” he stated.

Minister Coveney said Howth is a very important tourist destination in addition to being a major venue for leisure activities with a wide range of recreational users of the harbour. 

“There is also a significant number of businesses, particularly restaurants, operating in the harbour,” he added. 

“With that in mind the Department engages with stakeholders to increase the profile of the harbour for the betterment of the wider community.”

Deputy Broughan described Howth as a historic and valued working harbour and a very important landmark on Dublin’s coast.  “I welcome news of investment in the area, including the €1.79 million approved for 2015,” he said. However, Deputy Broughan said it was disappointing that the employment statistics he sought were not available.

“The number of jobs in the harbour area is a key indication of progress in our local Howth economy,” he added.    

 “I’m urging the Minister to continue investment in the harbour through 2016.”