Mayo pier receives funding boost to prepare business case

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD announced funding of €157,300 for Mayo County Council today to develop a preliminary business case for critical improvements at Roonagh pier.

The announcement, made following a meeting with island representatives in Westport, represents the first step toward addressing infrastructure needs at the mainland pier that serves as the vital link between the mainland and the island communities of Clare Island and Inishturk.

The need for improvements at Roonagh pier emerged as a priority action in an Islands Connectivity Report commissioned by Mayo County Council with departmental funding. The report specifically examined connectivity challenges facing Clare Island and Inishturk residents.

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The approved funding will enable Mayo County Council to engage consultant engineers through a competitive tender process to prepare the preliminary business case, which will include a Strategic Assessment of marine infrastructure improvement options.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Dara Calleary said:

“I have recently visited both Clare Island and Inishturk, and I am very well aware of the need for progress at Roonagh, and I am delighted to confirm the necessary funding is now in place to proceed with preparing the preliminary business case, an important first step for this essential infrastructure development.

“I am also very conscious that there are urgent and necessary upgrades required at both Clare Island and Inishturk piers, and I have instructed my officials to continue to work with Mayo County Council in this regard.

“Access between the islands and the mainland is the most fundamental requirement for those living on our offshore islands and is a lifeline for island communities. Access impacts on every aspect of island life, and the Government recognises that physical connectivity depends on the availability of safe harbours both on the islands and on the mainland.”

Front Row Cllr Peter Flynn, Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD, Cllr Sean Carey, Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council and Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, Cathaoirleach Westport Belmullet MD,
Back Row: Cllr Paul McNamara, Michael O’Boyle, Head of Marine Mayo County Council,  Jim Power, Acting Head of Westport-Belmullet MD, Cllr Brendan Mulroy, Cllr John O’Malley, Seamus O'Mongáin, West Mayo Belmullet MD, Cllr Chris Maxwell, Martin O’Grady, Area Engineer West Mayo MD.  Photo Conor McKeown

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Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Seán Carey, welcomed the funding commitment as recognition of the project's urgency.

"This funding announcement for Roonagh pier marks an important step in improving vital infrastructure that supports our island communities. Clare Island and Inishturk depend on safe, reliable access to the mainland, and this investment reflects our shared commitment to their long-term sustainability and wellbeing," Councillor Carey said.

He thanked Minister Calleary and the Department for recognising the project's importance and committed to continued collaboration with island communities, stakeholders, and government partners throughout the business case development process.

The funding approval enables Mayo County Council to begin the consultant appointment process immediately, with the preliminary business case expected to provide detailed options for marine infrastructure improvements that will enhance ferry service reliability and safety for the island communities.

The development represents part of the Government's broader commitment to supporting Ireland's offshore island communities through improved physical connectivity and essential infrastructure investment.