Today's opening of the new Doolin Pier is being heralded as a vitally important landmark for the economy of North Clare.
The 6 million euro facility has come about after a protracted campaign, and has been officially opened by Minister Brendan Howlin this afternoon.
The new Doolin Pier is twice as long as the current facility so will be able to accommodate more boats, and unlike the current pier it won't be left unusable during the lowest tides.
Meanwhile, ahead of today's trip to Doolin, Minister Brendan Howlin has given his support to his former parliamentary party colleague Michael McNamara.
The Clare TD was expelled from the Labour grouping in Leinster House last month, after he voted against the government's plan to sell the state's shares in Aer Lingus.
He's still a Labour party member, and wants to represent them in the upcoming election, and Minister Howlin says he personally would like to see that too.
