Boat Park plan in Rosses Point gets a €558,000 funding boost

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Funding of €558,000 has been allocated to advance the proposed Rosses Point Community Boat Park.

The funding was part of an overall package that will see €20.5 million allocated for 30 landmark regeneration projects in rural communities across the country announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.

The proposed marine facility will enhance safety, support water based activities, such as sailing and fishing, and bolster local businesses and eco-tourism.

It is envisaged the development will unlock the area’s tourism potential and drive economic growth and sustainability across the North West region. It will be the only marine facility in Sligo that will be accessible at all levels of tide.

Welcoming news of the funding, Deputy Frank Feighan said, “I am confident that this funding of €558,000 will rejuvenate the local community in Rosses Point.”

Deputy Feighan said the funding will inform the phased delivery of the Rosses Point Boat Park, a significant infrastructural addition to Sligo’s tourism, recreational, and maritime industries.

“I want to commend the Sligo County Council together with our local councillors including Cllr Thomas Walsh for their work to ensure this application was brought forward for funding consideration.

“Today’s announcement highlights Fine Gael’s strong commitment to supporting our rural communities both economically and socially.

“Across the country this funding will drive economic growth, increase town footfall, combat dereliction, develop pedestrian zones and boost tourism in rural Ireland.

“In 2025, we continue to roll-out unprecedented levels of investment in rural Ireland – making our towns and villages better places to live, work, raise a family and run a business.

“When complete, these projects will leave a lasting difference in County Sligo and will help to continue to make our towns and villages great places to live, work and raise a family,” concluded Deputy Feighan.

The funding, under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), is being invested in projects that will rejuvenate town centres, drive economic growth, increase town footfall, combat dereliction, develop pedestrian zones and boost tourism in rural Ireland.

Applications to the RRDF are sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to projects with all necessary planning and consents in place and are ready to proceed, while Category 2 relates to projects that require further development and enabling initiatives to become ready for Category 1 status. The Rosses Point Community Boat Park project relates to Category 2.

Speaking after the announcement, Minister of State Marian Harkin said:

“This is a hugely positive development for the people of Sligo and the wider northwest region. I want to congratulate Rosses Point Development Association and Sligo Co Council for putting together the substantial application that led to the attraction of this funding. Rosses Point has always been central to Sligo’s maritime story, and this investment will help us build on that proud tradition by providing safe, modern facilities that will benefit local communities, visitors, and marine users alike.”

The Pier at Rosses Point is already a hub of marine activity, supporting fishing charters, leisure craft, and search and rescue services. However, limited facilities have constrained growth in recent years. The new Community Boatpark will directly address these challenges by providing safe access, berthing, and onshore amenities for up to 105 commercial and pleasure vessels, as well as smaller recreational craft.

The project includes modern welfare facilities, storage and parking improvements, and enhanced public amenities, creating a welcoming and functional space for both local and visiting users.

A key concept behind the development is the revival of Jackson’s Pier and the adjacent Cove, restoring a landmark of Sligo’s maritime heritage. This new facility will serve as a safe sheltered harbour for all water users, ensuring that Rosses Point Harbour can thrive as a centre for marine enterprise and tourism.

Minister Harkin highlighted the alignment of the project with Sligo County Council’s and the NWRA’s tourism vision for the region.

“Rosses Point sits proudly on the Wild Atlantic Way, and its natural beauty and seafaring heritage make it an ideal location for marine tourism and education. This project will not only protect what we have but unlock new opportunities for local businesses, clubs, and young people interested in maritime careers.”

“The Sligo Community Boatpark at Rosses Point will act as a major hub for maritime tourism, community development, and coastal resilience, ensuring that Rosses Point continues to play a leading role in Sligo’s future prosperity,” Minister Harkin concluded.