Gerry O'Sullivan
Question:34 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give compensation or assistance to fishing boat owners who have suffered damage due to the recent storms, and if so, when.
Written Answers. - Storm Damage.
Information available to me suggests that the bulk of losses arising from the January storms were incurred by small time fishermen off the west and north-west coasts. These losses related mainly to wrecked and damaged boats and to lost gear. Most of the boats involved were currachs.
I am naturally sympathetic with the problems which will arise for small fishing communities and have asked BIM to look favourably upon requests for assistance. In that regard, grants of 25 per cent will be available from the board towards the cost of constructing new currachs above a certain minimum size.