Fianna Fáil Senator in Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed this year’s allocation of over €750,000 in funding for seven marine infrastructure projects in Louth under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure (BALAMI) Scheme. 

Up to €55.3m has been allocated under the Scheme for 164 marine infrastructure projects located in 13 coastal local authorities nationwide since its introduction. The Scheme was initiated to support local authorities to rejuvenate Ireland’s coastal and marine infrastructure specifically to address the economic consequences of Brexit arising from the implications to the Irish fishing industry. 

Senator McGreehan said: “Seven projects here in Louth are receiving funding under the BALAMI Scheme this year. The projects funded are general maintenance works, port dredging and crane installation at Annagassan Port, providing additional piles, access restriction works, the installation of an electrically powered winch and lighting improvements at Port Oriel/Clogherhead. 

“The allocation of funding for these projects is hugely welcome as their delivery this year will make a real difference in addressing the impact of Brexit on Louth’s fishing industry. The seafood industry is of significant social and economic importance to Louth and will always play a vital role in the economic viability of our local coastal communities. It is hugely important that we continue to support the industry as it continues to face challenges posed by Brexit.” 

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