MORE than €300,000 has been approved for seven Clare projects from a special initiative to counter the adverse effects of Brexit on Irish coastal communities.

Stating that it was a very significant allocation both in terms of the number of projects and the level of funding approved, Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey added that it should act as a catalyst for further developments along the Clare coastline.

“The Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) is a one-off initiative to counter the adverse economic, social and environmental consequences of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, with a special emphasis on fisheries and coastal communities,” Deputy Carey explained.

“Seven of the projects for which Clare County Council sought funding were successful and the overall allocation of €302,250 represents a very significant share of the €355,588 total cost of the projects.

€55,882 has been allocated to provide a crane at Liscannor Pier; €55,505 for public safety improvements at Labasheeda Quay; €52,845 for repairs to Cappagh Pier and sea wall including the replacement of mooring rings and bollards; €51,850 to extend the pontoon at Doonmore Pier in Doonbeg; €36,550 for repair work at Knock Pier and slipway; €28,369 to provide 11 visitor mooring buoys and a navigation buoy on the Clare side of the Shannon Estuary and €21,250 to upgrade the surface at Kildysart Pier and slipway

“Many of these coastal structures, which are both important landmarks and local community facilities, have declined in structural integrity and effective use over the years.

“This investment is intended to help drive economic diversification and complement other measures such as community-led local development schemes. I am confident that this will lead to further enhancement works in all seven of the locations to benefit from this once-off funding package,” Deputy Carey added.

PHOTO: Liscannor Pier will benefit from the Brexit Adjustment Fund