Vol. 498 No. 1
35 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to update the infrastructure to cater for the fast developing aquaculture industry; and the piers which he intends to develop during 1999 for that purpose. [26306/98]
The Irish aquaculture industry has grown exponentially from small beginnings in the early 1980s to a point where currently output of 40,000 tonnes is now worth nearly £60 million per annum. Aquaculture production world-wide now provides over 25 per cent of global seafood production. This trend is mirrored in Ireland where aquaculture production amounts to some 10 per cent in volume terms and 30 per cent in value terms of our total fish production. The key commercial species are salmon, trout, mussels and oysters. Commercialisation of other species is under way. The potential for further growth, value added and jobs in this sector is considerable and will bring direct benefits to our coastal communities.
I am committed to ensuring that the aquaculture industry is fully supported through the provision of safe and modern landing places at key locations around the coast. The cost benefit of such investment is self-evident and the economic returns are there for the taking. I am very pleased to inform the Deputy that I am providing £7.35 million in 1999 for the capital development of major fishery harbours and landing places. This is a very substantial increase over the funding available in recent years. I also announced last week, in the context of the budget, the provision of a further additional £3 million specifically earmarked to support small fisheries harbours and aquaculture landing places. The aquaculture industry and the fishing industry therefore are set to benefit from total investment support in infrastructure of over £10 million next year. In finalising the prioritised list of projects for the 1999 capital programme, I am inviting the aquaculture industry itself to submit its own assessment and short-list of priorities. This will help me to ensure that investment is focused on those locations which are a priority in safety and economic terms and will deliver the best economic return for the aquaculture sector.
I thank the Minister for that information and the news that he is expending £7.35 million on development of piers and harbours plus £3 million on the development of small harbours.
Given that the aquaculture industry is now worth £60 million to the nation, or 30 per cent in value terms of our total fish production, what plans has the Minister to improve the landing infrastructure in Bantry, the capital of aquaculture? The pier at Bantry is totally inadequate. Will the Minister grant a substantial allocation to upgrade Bantry pier so that it will be able to handle the huge amount of aquaculture development in the bay?
I agree that Bantry is a very important pier which is very much in need of development. I met a delegation recently in relation to Bantry. It is situations like that at Bantry that encouraged me to seek additional funding in the budget. I was successful for the first time in getting a separate sum for small landing places which will be of particular help to aquaculture. I am very conscious of the situation at Bantry. The Deputy has brought it to my attention, as has the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Joe Walsh. Now that we have the moneys for next year we will be looking as sympathetically as we can at Bantry and other places around the coast. I am very happy that we have an increased allocation of capital and an extra £3 million to help with smaller piers. The Deputy can feel happy that there is substantial additional funding which will allow us to undertake a number of important projects.
I will not be happy unless the Minister can give me a commitment in relation to Bantry.
I gave the Deputy a commitment to look sympathetically at Bantry. We are reviewing the overall position, and will certainly bear in mind the Deputy's proposal, the proposals made by the delegation and that of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Joe Walsh.
Will the Minister make sure to acquaint his colleague with the facts?
I have never let the Deputy down yet except, of course, for the Bardini Reefer.
The Bardini Reefer is still there. That is a question for another day.
I do not think they want to get rid of the Bardini Reefer now that the fish are spawning there.
