Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 8

Written Answers. - STRIDE Programme Allocation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

177 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine the allocation received by Ireland under the Stride programme for innovation and technical capacity in each of the years from 1988 to 1992; the uses to which this money has been put; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

Ireland's STRIDE Operational Programme is directed at developing research, innovation and technological capacity in the four natural resource based areas of Marine, Environment, Forestry and Food by providing an enhanced level of RTD (Research and Technological Development) facilities.

The Irish STRIDE Operational Programme (Science and Technology for Regional Innovation and Development in Europe was approved by the Commission in 1991 and runs until the end of 1993. The Programme comprises a total funding package of £13.5 million (co-financed by national and European Regional Development Fund funds) of which £8 million is devoted to the marine resource. All projects benefit from a 75 per cent EC grant aid level providing a total Community aid allocation of £10.125 million over the full period of the programme.

The Department's expenditure measures under the STRIDE Programme fall under three principal headings: (1) investment in the Department's fisheries Research Centre to provide essential equipment to support the fishing and aquaculture industries; (2) the provision of specialised equipment for the national research vessel "Lough Beltra"; and (3) the establishment of a national centre for the management and verification of marine data.

In addition to measures applicable to my Department, the STRIDE Programme funds other centres of marine expertise: (1) investment in the Martin Ryan Irish Science Institute at UCG to fit out laboratories and facilities in the new Institute and (2) investment in the Coastal Engineering and Resource Management Centre at UCC to equip the hydraulics laboratory and Coastal Management Unit.

In addition to the Marine sub-Programme some £3.426 million has been allocated to Environmental research measures; £1.024 million to measures on forestry research and £0.677 million to underpin research and development in the Food sector.

I am confident that the improved research infrastructure which is being put in place under the STRIDE Programme will stimulate development and related job creation in the sectors concerned.