Portnablagh pier is situated amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. The famous Sheephaven Bay stretches out in front of it with Horn Head standing sentry to the south and Muckish Mountain as the backdrop to the north.
In recent years the pier has sadly fallen into a state of disrepair, like many other small piers along our coastline. The seriousness of its condition was recognised last year when renovation works were carried out. The project was not fully carried out, however, due to the grant being exhausted. At present the pier is in an unfinished state and is of no benefit whatsoever. It is simply unusable; it is as useful in its present unfinished state as a house without a roof.
This presents very serious difficulties, not alone to local fishermen, who are completely dependent on this facility for their livelihoods, but to others, such as visitors and pleasure craft users, not to mention the Tory Island ferry, which uses the pier occasionally as a point of departure for the island. The major harbour development taking place in Tory Island has been serviced from Portnablagh. In its present unfinished state, it is impossible for the barge to use it this year.
Portnablagh and Sheephaven Bay, near the holiday town of Dunfanaghy, have an international reputation as holiday destinations. Dunfanaghy, Portnablagh, Sheephaven, Horn Head, Shandon and Marble Hill are familiar place names to discerning tourists and visitors from Northern Ireland, Britain and further afield. The pier is the focus of aquatic activity but in its present state it is unusable. Significant improvements were made last year. Now an additional allocation to complete the project is needed. An allocation in the region of £50,000 would be sufficient to complete the restoration to a satisfactory standard.
At present activity cannot take place at Portnablagh pier due to the unfinished state of the renovation scheme. Access to the pier is impossible. Regular users, be they fishermen or holiday mak ers, the Tory Island ferry or barge, have had to land and depart elsewhere along the coast. We are now entering the busy season as far as Portnablagh pier is concerned. Salmon and other fishermen are in a state of preparation. The tourism season has got off to a promising start. The pier, one of the most important facilities in the area, is beyond reach and it is a hindrance to water related activity in Dunfanaghy and Portnablagh.
Will the Minister sanction this allocation as soon as possible so the pier can be restored and be of service and benefit to the local fishermen and others who have occasion to use it? All relevant documents and reports have already been submitted by Donegal County Council to the Department and all that is required is the nod from the Minister to give this project the green light to proceed.