The new development is the beginning of a much larger programme of works commencing at the Greencastle this year.

The recommended development option for the harbour consists of four phases, which will provide a rock breakwater, fuel and mussel berth, new deep water berths and additional berths for the inner harbour.

The development has received full planning permission.

The programme of work to be undertaken this year, managed by the Department's Engineering Division on behalf of Donegal County Council (which will contribute 25% of the cost), will initially comprise mitigation measures to adjacent properties, the identification of rock sources for the breakwater and tendering this element and the site set up including developing all the necessary H&S plans, transport planning and condition surveys and developing the haul route. The latter half of the year will see the intensification of the spread when the rock is being hauled in to construct the breakwater.

Minister Gallagher also announced that he has approved the allocation of ?300,000 in funding to initiate the construction of a breakwater at Buncrana Harbour. Three quarters of this funding will be made available via a grant from the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources, while Donegal County Council will provide the remaining 25%.