The new extension provides an additional 125 metres of landing berthage

Killybegs pier extension to alleviate vessel congestion

by · RTE.ie

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has officially opened the €35 million Smooth Point Pier extension at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre.

The Smooth Point Pier extension, delivered over 10 years, will help to alleviate vessel and traffic congestion at peak season and facilitate landings from vessels up to 100 metres in length.

The new extension provides an additional 125 metres of landing berthage bringing the full berthage to 275 metres of linear berth.

These works provide additional all year round sheltered berthage for the larger vessels and allow for faster turn-around times for fishing vessels.

Approximately 68% of fish landed into Ireland last year was brought ashore at Killybegs Harbour, according to data from the Department of the Marine.

The total value of fish landed at Killybegs Harbour last year was over €118 million.

Killybegs is one of six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres and is viewed as critical infrastructure for the seafood industry.

Minister McConalogue said the extension is 'a vital economic asset'

Minister McConalogue said the Smooth Point Pier extension ensures Killybegs remains the premier fishing port with "world-class facilities".

He said: "This infrastructure is a vital economic asset for the northwest and in particular for everyone in Killybegs."

Mr McConalogue said the increased berthage at Killybegs will help increase opportunities for primary and secondary fish processing as well as ensuring a resilient and sustainable seafood sector in the region.

The minister said the investment "is further evidence of this Government's commitment to addressing the impacts of Brexit on the fishing sector".

The extension was completed by Sorenson Civil Engineering Ltd Construction.

The works were phased, starting with the dredging of sediment and that material was re-used as backfill for the new quay and elsewhere in the harbour.

The capital works were funded through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.