Armstrong welcomes investment in Portavogie harbour
Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has welcomed the award of a £2.6m UK Government grant to Portavogie.
The investment will improve facilities for fishing boats and provide renewable power at Portavogie harbour.
A lifelong Ards Peninsula resident, Ms Armstrong, like many locals, previously worked in one of the prawn factories processing catch from the fishing boats.
“This is great news. I spoke with several of the boat owners and the NI Fishery Harbour Authority about their plans last year.
“I am delighted their hard work has paid off,” said Ms Armstrong.
“This investment will replace and enhance the existing boat cradle and winch that pulls fishing vessels out of the water for maintenance.
“The current system is outdated and can only deal with a limited range of vessels.
“This move means Portavogie will be able to service more boats, and will lead to financial sustainability as new opportunities arise.
“The grant will also be used to install solar panels at the harbour, which will help to make Portavogie Harbour more sustainable as it works to deliver climate change targets.
“I heartily congratulate all involved in submitting the successful application to the UK Seafood Fund: Infrastructure Scheme.”
