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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 1

Written Answers. - Aquaculture Development.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

37 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the announcement made on 23 February 2001 regarding a £60 million public and private investment programme in aquaculture under the national development plan; when the programme will commence; and the number of jobs likely to be created. [8129/01]

The Government is committed to the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. Over the period of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 planned investment in the aquaculture sector is £57.2 million. The aquaculture measure, as provided under the regional operational programmes, will be funded by the EU's financial instrument for fisheries guidance and the Exchequer to a level of £24.17 million, with the private sector contributing the balance of funding amounting to £33.03 million. A public call for proposals was made earlier this year. However, applications were being accepted by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Údaras na Gaeltachta since 1 January 2000. Applications for consideration under the first tranche of funding are currently being prioritised by the agencies with a view to selection by the Aquaculture Selection Board.

The level of public investment is more than double the funding made available under the last round of structural funding and underlines Government commitment to the aquaculture industry as a sustainable industry providing jobs and economic growth for coastal communities. Direct employment in aquaculture is projected to increase from 1,225 on a wholetime equivalent basis in 1999 to 1,900 at the end of the programme.

I am confident the funding available for aquaculture under the regional operational programmes will help deliver on the goals of critical mass, quality, sustainability, diversification, technology and cost competitiveness.

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