Vol. 510 No. 5
90 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views in relation to recommendation 1.3.9 of the Donegal task force initiative report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23083/99]
Recommendation 1.3.9. of the Donegal employment initiative task force deals with the marine sector priorities and identifies a total investment requirement of some £84 million, requiring State aid of £42 million. This recommendation is in total accord with the findings of the participative conference on investment and employment opportunities in the marine sector in County Donegal that I convened last year.
On foot of this I have taken a number of steps to build on the potential of Donegal's marine sector. These include a £4 million investment in harbour infrastructure this year; approval and commencement of a new £20 million landing facility in Killybegs; and the provision of funding under the Ireland-Northern Ireland INTERREG programme for the extension of the national fisheries training centre in Greencastle. These investments alone account for over half of the £42 million State aid proposed in the task force's report.
Investment in fleet improvements, aquaculture and processing is ongoing, but I am conscious of the need for increased investment in these sectors. In the context of the national development plan and the next round of Structural Funds I am making every effort to maximise funding for the marine sectors.
