The Marine & Water Leisure Development Unit is based at the Eske Angling Centre in Donegal Town. The work of the unit centres on exploring and developing marine and water leisure resources within the county and has two staff, Kevin OConnor, Co-ordinator, and Gráinne OBrien, Development Officer. Numerous projects are underway with the aim of ensuring a strategic, integrated and sustainable approach to marine and water leisure development. Examples include:

Publication of a consultation report on angling development in the County
Strategic review of the development of marinas and sea angling centres
Feasibility study for the establishment of a sea life centre
Expert review of coastal walking routes as part of a wider county walking strategy
Pilot beach management programme at Rossnowlagh
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), i.e. management that meets the needs of all users with minimal conflict while ensuring sustainability of the coastal resource.

Strong links have been forged between the unit and marine engineering section of the County Council. Other tasks are being undertaken in partnership/consultation with the environment and planning sections, e.g. beach management. The Programme is jointly sponsored by Donegal County Council, Udaras na Gaeltachta, the Northern Regional Fisheries Board, North West Tourism and the Marine Institute. It was put in place on the recommendation of the Donegal Task Force on Employment.