The backers of a 100-berth yacht marina proposed for Killybegs, Co Donegal, have been given sanction to seek planning approval for the €3 million project.
Minister of State for the Marine Pat the Cope Gallagher has confirmed in writing that his department will have "no objection" to a planning application. However, he said any such application would be subject to authorisation under the Foreshore Acts.
The development comes just a fortnight after a visit to the fishery harbour by the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
Barry Sharkey, one of the developers involved in the consortium, said he was delighted at Mr Gallagher's statement.
Mr Sharkey, managing director of Barry Electronics, is partnered in the project with Paul O'Neill, of O'Neill Fishing Co Ltd, and Charles Vial, managing director of C Fish Ltd.
The group intends to build the marina entirely with private capital, and says it will give a vital tourism boost following completion of the €55 million deepwater harbour at the port.
The proposed site lies between the old town pier and the Blackrock pier in the old fishery harbour. The group also proposes to build an administration centre, provide car parking and construct a maritime cultural centre.
The group made a submission to the Deloitte & Touche report on marinas for Co Donegal, which was commissioned last year by Donegal County Council.
These consultants recommended that five marinas be built in the county at Burtonport (100 berths), Killybegs (100 berths), Bunnagee (15 berths), Bally-whoriskey, Fanad (three berths), and Tory Island (15 berths).
