Cecilia Keaveney
Question:232 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, being taken to upgrade the Irish fleet which is considered as relatively dilapidated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20369/96]
Written Answers. - Upgrading of Fishing Fleet.
Funding for renewal and modernisation of the fishing fleet is provided under the Operational Programme for Fisheries 1994 — 1999, with over £11 million of EU and Exchequer aid available to support total investment of some £31 million in the fleet over the period. To date 131 modernisation projects have been approved for grant aid of over £4 million under the programme.
The investment support strategy under the programme is designed to improve the efficiency and safety of the fleet while meeting mandatory EU fleet targets. The good take-up to date of available funding is contributing to those objectives. There has also been significant private investment in the Irish pelagic fleet in recent years which is now one of the most modern in the world. A consultancy study is currently being undertaken to analyse, from all perspectives, the relative socio-economic and commercial merits of the introduction of new vessels into the whitefish fleet. The outcome of this study will inform an assessment of future directions for fleet policy having regard to all relevant factors, including developments at EU level.