Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane says upgrades to Dunmore East Harbour cannot be delayed for another seven to ten years, warning the area’s fishing, tourism and maritime industries are being held back by a lack of Government investment.

Mr. Cullinane raised the issue in the Dáil this week, where he called for immediate capital funding to improve the harbour’s infrastructure.

Mr. Cullinane says a report examining development options for Dunmore East Harbour was commissioned in 2016 and completed in 2019, but claims little progress has been made since.

He says the harbour has significant potential for fishing, leisure and cruise liner activity, but argues that permanent berthing facilities and other upgrades are needed to allow it to grow.

Deputy Cullinane says the Government’s response focused on long-term business planning over the next seven to ten years, rather than addressing what he described as the harbour’s immediate infrastructure needs.

He believes the necessary studies have already been completed and is calling on the Government to commit funding to progress the project without further delay.

The Government has not yet responded publicly to Mr. Cullinane’s latest comments.