Marina Application

Comharchumann Forbartha & Fostaíochta have recently submitted an application to consultants acting for Donegal County Council for a marina development at Leabgarrow (see image below). The application will be considered by the consultants who will make a recommendation to the County Council, if successful it could form part of a chain of such facilities around the Irish coast. The proposed development will provide 50 pontoon berths for island boats and visitors in phase one, to be expanded to 100 berths if demand increases in the future. The proposed facility could also be used by the RNLI for a lifeboat berth as well as providing a berth for the ferry boat. The Department of Marine estimate that the provision of 50 berth marine leisure facilities could provide between 20-32 full time equivalent jobs and generate between €430,000 to €690,000 annually in the local economy. This socioeconomic benefit would provide a major boost to the island economy that has suffered as a result of the decline of traditional marine based activities such as the fishing industry. There are approximately 20 other locations around the Donegal coast which have submitted applications including Burtonport, Portnoo, Bunbeg and Downings in the West of the county.

Photo courtesy of The Marine Institute, © 2003.