He cited the recent development of Ballyvaughan pier, which he said ‘sets an example for other pier and harbour developments across the country.

He added, ‘The cooperative approach adopted by the local community, Clare County Council and the various state agencies in securing the necessary funding to upgrade Ballyvaughan pier is a perfect example of how rural projects can be progressed for the benefit of all.’

The Minister said that pier improvement works were urgently needed at a number of locations around the County, including Gleninagh Pier, located between Ballyvaughan and Fanore, a strategic general purpose harbour and pier at Liscannor, as well as Doobeg, Seafield, Carrigaholt and Newquay.

Minister Killeen had just met with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltracht Affairs, Eamon O Cuiv T.D., who was unimpressed by the lack of progress with the proposed upgrading of the pier, harbour and onshore facilities at Doolin.

Originally called Ballaghaline Fishing Station, Doolin Pier is the main access point from County Clare to the Aran Islands. It is used by fishermen from the Doolin area as well as the Aran Islands due to its close proximity to the local fish processing plant, while a thriving ferry service also operates from there.

However, ferry operators, fishermen and the local SAR unit are finding it increasingly difficult to launch their boats at low water. The practice of landing fish the pier is also becoming more restricted due to the absence of significant development works on the pier structure.

For the Doolin Pier project to go forward, significant funding already set aside by Minister O Cuiv needs to be supplemented by money from Ireland’s Department o Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, which evaluates CLAR scheme proposals, as well as Clare County Council.