Ministers Heydon and Dooley announce the allocation of over €4.8 million to support the delivery of 57 Local Authority Marine Infrastructure projects
- Published on: 20 May 2026
- Last updated on: 20 May 2026
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, TD, have announced the project allocations under the 2026 Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme.
Commenting on the impact of the Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme, Minister Heydon, said:
“I am delighted that every coastal Local Authority that applied for funding under this year’s scheme is set to benefit. These projects will deliver tangible improvements to essential marine infrastructure, supporting our fishing and aquaculture sectors while also enhancing amenities for tourism and recreation. Investment of this nature plays a vital role in sustaining and growing economic activity in our coastal and rural communities.”
Minister Dooley announced the project allocations under the 2026 Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme at an event in Duncannon Co. Wexford today.
Minister Dooley commented:
“The strong level of engagement from local authorities, reflected in the quality and scale of applications received, demonstrates the ongoing need for targeted investment in our coastal infrastructure. Over the past five years, this scheme has supported 161 projects with a combined investment of over €59 million. The 57 projects approved today will build on that progress and deliver meaningful benefits for coastal communities across the country.”
This annual scheme supports capital investment in coastal infrastructure owned by local authorities, including pier and harbour repairs, slipway upgrades, safety enhancements, and the development of marine leisure amenities.
In February, Minister Dooley announced €4.33 million in funding for the 2026 scheme. Applications totalling over 100 project proposals were received from 13 coastal Local Authority. Today’s announcement increases the allocation to €4.8 million providing funding for 57 nationwide projects and reflects both the active involvement of the local authorities and the wholehearted commitment of Government in supporting coastal communities.
Under the scheme, the Department will co-fund up to 75% of eligible project costs, subject to a maximum grant of €187,500 per project, with the balance provided by the respective local authorities.
Emphasising the importance of timely delivery, Minister Dooley concluded:
“Now that the allocations have been announced it is important that the work commences without delay. My Department will work closely with each local authority to ensure efficient rollout and full drawdown of funding within the year. Delivering these projects on time will maximise their impact for the communities and sectors that rely on this infrastructure.”
Local authorities have until 31 October 2026 to complete all works and submit their claims to the Department.
Notes
Table 1 attached provides details of the 57 capital projects allocated funding in 2026 across 13 coastal local authorities.
