Dinny McGinley
Question:172 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the assistance or improvement schemes available to fishermen to improve or replace their fishing vessels. [24160/01]
Written Answers. - Fishing Fleet Modernisation.
The whitefish fleet development programme under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 was launched in June this year. The core objectives of the programme are to enhance the safety, quality and competitiveness of the whitefish fleet and to improve working conditions and product handling and quality.
The new programme, which will support total investment of £155 million up to 2006, provides grant aid under a number of schemes: introduction of new vessels, introduction of modern second-hand vessels, modernisation of existing vessels, purchase and installation of safety equipment and special assistance for young fishermen and women acquiring their first vessel. Bord Iascaigh Mhara is assessing applications under the programme and will be giving priority to projects which meet diversification and sustainability objectives. I have arranged for a copy of the fleet development programme to be forwarded to Deputy McGinley.