James Leonard
Question:43 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for the Marine when operational programme funding will be made available for fisheries and lake development. [12216/95]
Written Answers. - Operational Programme Funding.
A significant level of funding is already available to support inland fisheries development under the Operational Programme for Tourism and under the Joint Interreg Programme.
The tourism angling measure of the Operational Programme for Tourism provides for total investment of almost £19 million in the development of the tourism angling product over the next five years. I have already announced 29 projects, involving total expenditure of almost £2.8 million, under this measure. The main areas of targeted development include physical instream and bank development, stock management measures, the rehabilitation of depleted sea trout fisheries and the establishment of title to fisheries. Funding has been provided this year in the Department's Vote to meet eligible expenditure on approved projects.
The Fisheries Measures of the Joint Interreg Programme provide for investment of £2.5 million over the period 1994 to 1999 to encourage further cross-border co-operation and development in fisheries. Projects eligible for funding under the Fisheries Measures will include research, conservation and development of inland fisheries. A number of such projects are undergoing evaluation and assessment at present. Funds have been provided this year in the Department's Vote to meet eligible expenditure on approved projects.