Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 1

Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.

Billy Timmins

Question:

133 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the submission, if any, his Department has received for a development in County Wicklow (details supplied) which would promote angling and tourism; if so, if he will provide a copy of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3680/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

My Department has not received proposals for the development referred to by the Deputy. However, I am advised by the Central Fisheries Board that the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board submitted a proposal for funding development on the Avoca River under the Tourism Angling Measure of the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-1999.

Decisions on the funding of projects under the TAM were a matter for the TAM management committee having regard to the criteria applicable to the measure and in light of the available funding.

The central board has advised me that the TAM management committee was not in a position to approve funding for this proposal because it did not meet the requisite criteria in terms of tourism angling enhancement. The project promoters were informed accordingly.

Under the new investment programme for inland fisheries currently being drawn up under the national development plan there will be new funding opportunities for fisheries development projects which contribute to the enhancement of local recreational amenities.