Inch Pier has a new crane — installed by EK Marine Ltd as part of a significant government investment in Donegal's marine infrastructure.
The project received €82,500 in funding under the Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme, covering most of the €110,000 total cost. The investment was announced by Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, as part of a €457,500 package for five Donegal marine projects.
Part of a Wider Investment
The Inch Pier crane was one of four Donegal projects funded in the May 2025 announcement:
- Burtonport — €187,500 for quay wall capping beam
- Greencastle — €165,000 for pier pile repair and harbour master's office
- Maghery — €22,500 for pier steps
- Inch — €82,500 for pier crane installation
Welcoming the funding, Donegal Minister Charlie McConalogue said: "This funding will provide an important economic boost to our rural coastal communities, while also helping to make them more attractive to tourists. It's vital our piers and harbours are constantly upgraded, improved and upgraded."
A Long Tradition of Pier Cranes
The new crane at Inch Pier continues a long tradition of maritime infrastructure on the Inishowen peninsula. Just across the water at Fahan, a historic pier crane once served the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway terminal — that crane has since been preserved and moved to Donegal town, with a model on display at the Inishowen Maritime Museum in Greencastle.
While the old Fahan Pier crane loaded cargo between trains and ferries in the railway era, the new Inch Pier crane serves today's fishing boats, leisure craft, and the ongoing economic life of this island community.
Why Pier Infrastructure Matters
For an island community like Inch, connected to the mainland by a causeway that can flood at high tide, maintaining good maritime access is essential. The pier serves local fishermen, provides emergency access, and supports the recreational boating that brings visitors to Lough Swilly.
The installation by EK Marine Ltd marks a vote of confidence in Inch's maritime future — and ensures the island's pier can serve the community for decades to come.
The crane installation was shared by Inch Hall on their Facebook page. For more on Inch's maritime heritage, see our article on the historic Fahan Pier crane.