Big boost for Waterford community as almost €2m funding for harbour works revealed

Dunmore East Harbour is set for a major transformation after almost €2 million in funding was confirmed for a wide-ranging upgrade programme for the Waterford fishing village.

The funding is part of a €27 million national package announced for fishery harbour centres and marine infrastructure across the country under the 2026 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

Waterford will receive €1,986,000 in total, with the investment focused on protecting the harbour, improving safety and delivering new facilities to support the local fishing fleet and marine industry.

The single biggest allocation will see €1 million invested in cliff protection works around Dunmore East. A further €300,000 has been ringfenced for safety and maintenance upgrades at the harbour.

Plans also include €200,000 for the construction of new workshop and accommodation buildings, while €150,000 will go towards a new harbour breakwater.

Additional funding includes €200,000 for heavy machinery improvements and water metering, €50,000 for new steps and €20,000 to improve disability access at the harbour.

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Welcoming the funding, Minister of State John Cummins TD said: "I'm delighted to see the allocation of €1.98m for Dunmore East and I have worked closely with my colleague Minister Heydon in securing this much-needed investment.

"This investment clearly demonstrates the Government's strong commitment to the marine sector and will support further infrastructure development around the Harbour, delivering real benefits for our fishing fleet and the local economy."

He added: "Harbour communities like Dunmore East bring real economic value to Waterford, where fishing has long been central both socially and economically.

"Investing in first-class landing infrastructure is so important as it ensures the industry can operate safely and efficiently. The Government remains committed to the continued development of Dunmore East."

The Dunmore East funding forms part of a wider €27 million investment announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD and Minister of State Timmy Dooley TD.

Announcing the national funding package, Minister Heydon said: "The 2026 Programme represents a major investment by Government in the ongoing development, modernisation and sustainability of Ireland's fishery harbours and coastal infrastructure.

"The programme will support critical works across the six state-owned fishery harbour centres, improving safety, operational efficiency, environmental performance and climate resilience."

Minister of State Timmy Dooley said the funding would support critical works at harbours across the country and help coastal communities.

"Announcing this programme further demonstrates the Government's continued commitment to supporting our fishing, seafood and wider maritime sectors through sustained and targeted investment in modern, safe and resilient harbour infrastructure.

"These investments are essential to ensuring that our harbours remain fit for purpose, can support economic activity in coastal communities, and can meet the challenges posed by climate change and increased operational demands."