Jim O'Keeffe
Question:42 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give details of the grant system which is available for the repair and refurbishment of fishing boats.
Written Answers. - Repair and Refurbishment of Fishing Boats.
Financial assistance, subject to availability of funds, is made available through BIM for the repair and refurbishment of fishing boats. These grants, at levels appropriate to attract Community funding under the Fonds Europeens Orientations Peche (FEOP) aid schemes and within the constraints necessitated under the current economic situation are made available under BIM's marine credit plan.
A brief outline of financial assistance available to the fishing fleet for repair and refurbishment is given hereunder.
Grant Aid
(New Vessels and) Modernisations
Vessels up to 9 metres (or 12 metres if trawling):—
|
BIM grant |
5 per cent |
|
EC grant |
35 per cent |
Vessels over 9 metres (or 12 metres if trawling):—
|
BIM grant |
5 per cent |
|
EC grant |
35 per cent |
An extra 5 per cent is available from the EC and BIM for young, not more than 40 years, first-time skipper/owners.
Arising from the recently agreed multi-annual guidance programme, which provides a framework for the future development of the fleet, all fleet policy instruments are being reviewed at present.