Senator Chambers welcomes Fianna Fáil’s commitment to coastal community support and marine development in Mayo

Senator Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fáil General Election candidate in Mayo, has welcomed the inclusion of vital coastal and marine development initiatives in the Fianna Fáil election manifesto. These initiatives included as part of Senator Chambers’ submission to the manifesto, aim to enhance the sustainability and prosperity of coastal communities, including in Mayo.
“Mayo’s coastline is one of our greatest assets, and it is crucial that we invest in its future,” Senator Chambers stated. “As a coastal county, we need to maximise the potential of our marine resources to support our communities. However, there is currently no dedicated fund for large-scale marine projects, which is a significant gap in supporting transformative initiatives. The Westport Marina project, for example, has the potential to bring enormous benefits to the area, but it requires substantial financial backing. Similar projects in Achill and Killala also face this funding barrier, and it is time for the government to provide a solution.”

Fianna Fáil General Election candidate, Senator Lisa Chambers.

The Fianna Fáil manifesto outlines a comprehensive plan for coastal community support and marine infrastructure development, which includes:
• Establishing a Maritime Regeneration, Development, and Conservation Fund to support marinas, harbours, tourism development, and measures to combat coastal erosion.
• Promoting the diversification of coastal economies beyond traditional industries to create new opportunities.
• Ensuring coastal communities directly benefit from offshore renewable energy projects.
• Reviewing and enhancing conservation measures to protect marine ecosystems and wildlife, including expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and establishing wildlife sanctuaries.
• Supporting sustainable development in the aquaculture sector and strengthening local involvement in fisheries community development planning.
• Working with Fáilte Ireland to launch a Marine Tourism Strategy to attract both domestic and international visitors to coastal areas, supporting the growth of eco-tourism with activities like whale and dolphin watching.
• Introducing initiatives to preserve maritime cultural heritage.
Fianna Fáil has also committed to appointing a Minister of State for the Marine, which Senator Chambers believes is essential for addressing the unique needs of Ireland’s coastal communities.
“This commitment from Fianna Fáil demonstrates our party’s dedication to supporting and revitalising coastal areas. By establishing a dedicated funding source and a Minister of State for the Marine, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and resilience in counties like Mayo,” Senator Chambers added. “I am proud to have contributed to these initiatives in the manifesto, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for our coastal communities.”