asked the Minister for the Marine the steps he is taking to encourage the development of the fish industry in Kinsale, County Cork.
Written Answers. - Development of Fish Industry.
23.
While Kinsale is not a major fisheries centre in national terms fishing does, of course, play an important role in the economic development of the area.
In 1987 Kinsale ranked in 26th place in the list of top ports for fish landings with a total value of the order of £0.5 million.
The State has been supportive of any proposals which have been put forward for the region. In particular, BIM have recently approved capital grants for projects which, when implemented should improve the infrastructure in the area of fresh fish handling, processing and distribution. Pilot aquaculture projects have also been approved for State aid.
BIM have planned to double the capacity of the ice plant at Kinsale in 1989, at an estimated cost of £55,000.
The fishing industry in Kinsale will, of course, gain from the implementation of the BIM Development Strategy for the Sea Fish Industry which is designed to maximise the contribution to the national economy of this industry and, in particular, its contribution to the economy of coastal areas.
Any viable proposals which may be put forward will, of course, be fully examined in the implementation of the Development Strategy.
Fishing needs will be taken account of in the assessment of any commercial development plans for the port.