A new jetty extension has been launched on Devenish Island after a near £300,000 investment.

This extension at its east jetty facilitates the increase of visitor numbers by doubling the mooring capacity from six to 12 vessels.

On Thursday (June 27), Waterways Ireland, the authority responsible for inland waterways and overseeing the project, officially unveiled the 60-metre extension.

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The expanded jetty is part of ongoing efforts to accommodate the growing boat traffic at the island, a top attraction in Lough Erne.

It is home to monastic remains dating back to the sixth century with Viking heritage.

The island's increase in popularity over the years brought about plans for the extension, with over 20,000 tourists visiting the site each year.

John O’Dowd MLA, minister for infrastructure, said: "I am delighted that my department was able to provide just over £300k of funding towards this very worthwhile project.

"Devenish Island is an important and cherished heritage site, drawing many visitors each year, and it is indeed the most popular attraction on Lough Erne.

"The extension of the new jetty will not only enhance the visitor experience to the island by broadening the range of visitors and reducing waiting times but will also ensure the viability of the site for years to come.

"This investment in a rural community also fits in with my departments commitment to tackling regional imbalance.”

Garret McGrath, the regional manager of Waterways Ireland, said: "Waterways Ireland’s purpose is to be the custodian of the inland navigations and collaborate to reimagine, maintain, develop, and promote them to sustain communities, environment, and heritage.

"We are delighted to complete the extension of the jetty at Devenish Island, creating additional capacity for visitors from near and far to experience a unique and beautiful island attraction, of great cultural and heritage significance."

This is one of a number of projects Waterways Ireland has completed on Lough Erne since 2023, including an extension to Davy’s Island jetty, redecking of jetties at Trory, Muckross, Carrickreagh, Tully Castle, Inish Davar and Naan Island, and dredging at Kesh River for navigational purposes.”