Written Answers. - Marine Industry Development.
Peter Barry
Question:
27
Mr. Barry
asked the
Minister for the Marine
if he will outline the specific measures which will be taken to promote growth in the marine as referred to in page two of the Review of the Programme for Government which was published on 18 October 1991.
Eric J. Byrne
Question:
36
Mr. Byrne
asked the
Minister for the Marine
the specific proposals he intends to bring forward to increase the contribution of inland fisheries to the national economy and, in particular, protecting and promoting the development of wild trout and salmon fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 36 together.
As outlined in the Review of the Programme for Government 1989-1993, the Government will continue to promote and support the development of our marine resources with special emphasis on a number of areas including the seafish industry where the development of fish processing, improvement of facilities at fishing ports, modernisation and restructuring of the fleet, expansion of manpower development programmes for fishermen, improvement of fish quality and hygiene the monitoring and surveillance of fishing activities and increased productivity, competitiveness and employment in the aquaculture sector, will be effected,inter alia, through significant EC support frameworks underpinned by Exchequer and industry funding; commercial harbours where specific measures and projects under the EC Operational Programme on Peripherality will promote growth by developing our port infrastructure which is a prerequisite for increased trade and efficient access transport; and fishing ports and harbours where improvement of facilities at fishery harbour centres and other harbours are being effected under a development programme with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund. Improvement works under this programme were undertaken during 1991 at Killybegs, County Donegal; Howth, County Dublin; Castletownbere, County Cork; Dunmore East, County Waterford; Rossaveal, County Galway; Greencastle, County Donegal; Dingle, County Kerry; Kilmore Quay, County Wexford; Clogherhead, County Louth and Burtonport, County Donegal.
As regards shipping the Government have made a submission to the European Commission which,inter alia, seeks allocation of funds to aid a total of seven ro-ro and lo-lo ships and a response is awaited. In addition, the sale of Verolme Cork Dockyard to Damen Shipyards of Holland has been completed and the yard will expand its ship repair activities on completion of necessary refurbishment work which is underway.
In relation to inland fisheries in particular, the Government intend to pursue an integrated programme of measures for the development of our inland fishery resource availing of financial assistance under the appropriate schemes from funds such as European Regional Development Fund, LEADER, INTER-REG and IFI. The habitat for our inland fish stocks will continue to be protected by a wide range of environmental protection measures which will be intensified as necessary. Protection of the stocks from illegal exploitation, especially at sea, will be intensified with more intensive use of the Naval Services peacock class vessels and the high speed RIBs of the fisheries boards. The new fishery protection plane recently put into service by the Air Corps with great success in the sea fishery area will be deployed as necessary in the drive to protect inland fish stocks.
The fisheries development co-operatives being established under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1991, for the development of trout and coarse fisheries will further support growth in the sector.
I am satisfied that all the measures outlined above will create the conditions for further sustained employment growth in the marine area.
