Major boost for coastal projects

FINGAL County Council has welcomed news that it is to receive funding of €600,000 for coastal projects.

Projects that will receive funding from the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) North East include a feasibility study of Red Island Martello Tower in Skerries; the refurbishment of Howth Courthouse into a publically accessible tourist office and community space; and a feasibility study which is being part funded by FLAG North East for the four harbours managed by the council.

Grants totalling €973,221 have been announced in the FLAG North East Area, which covers the counties of Dublin, Meath and Louth.

The Fingal region has directly benefited from €600,000 in funding over the last three years in conjunction with the FLAG North East programme.

A total of 36 FLAG projects were approved across coastal communities in Dublin, Meath and Louth in 2019.

This grant funding will deliver an overall investment of €1,652,695 for the North East area, including Fingal, and sees the North East area rise from seventh in June 2017 to first in June 2019 in terms of total investment nationally.

A unique event targeting primary schools across Rush, Skerries and Balbriggan Fingal Libraries, in conjunction with FLAG North East, is also being supported.

This will see a steam train travel through Fingal incorporating and holding talks on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), biodiversity, local myths and legends.

A number of high profile festivals in Howth, Donabate and Portrane, Rush and Skerries have also been supported in 2019. Biodiversity talks and walks, training, cycle hire and boat equipment is also funded. Fingal County Council chief executive AnnMarie Farrelly welcomed the funding.

“The coastal communities are an important component of the fabric of Fingal and are an important part of the local economy,” said Ms Farrelly.

“Fingal County Council supports the maritime industry within the county in many practical ways and any additional funding from FLAG NE which will strengthen this important industry and create more jobs is to be greatly welcomed.“