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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 3

Written Answers. - Marine Tourism.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

112 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the improved status which has been attained by marine leisure, commercial fishermen and marine tourism since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4883/02]

In the past ten years Ireland has achieved rapid and unprecedented economic growth. Tourism has played a key part in this success story and is now one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy. As one of Ireland's major indigenous industries, tourism provides a significant opportunity for the people to develop sustainable businesses based on our greatest natural asset, our marine environment.

The importance of the marine tourism sector has been recognised by the Government through its allocation of €25 million for the marine leisure tourism sector under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Under the plan, my Department has been charged with developing and putting in place a cohesive and administratively efficient marine tourism grant scheme to support a range of quality and broad based projects. The objective of the scheme is to support the development of the marine tourism sector by improving quality and capacity in a sustainable way. Specific targets are access infrastructure, such as marinas, berths and slipways, and integrated development and co-operative partnerships, particularly in relation to networks and clusters. The scheme, which I recently launched, will be part of the two regional operational programmes and will see the BMW region benefit from an €18 million investment while the south and east region will see a total investment of just under €8 million.

Prior to the introduction of this scheme, my Department provided funding of €5.71 million for four flagship marina projects at Caherciveen, Kenmare, Roundstone and Rosses Point. I have also in recent months established new and innovative pilot projects to promote marine tourism in two specific areas, Ceanntar na nOileán, County Galway, and the Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo, where there is little investment and limited employment opportunities at present.

On the safety side, my Department has in recent years taken action on a range of issues to improve safety for those who work at sea or engage in water-based leisure activities. On 1 July 2001 I introduced new regulations governing the safe use of personal watercraft, jet skis, fast power craft and other mechanically propelled pleasure craft. These are an initial phase of regulations which have been developed by my Department as a result of the recommendations made in the recent report of the ministerial action group on small powered recreational craft. Specifically, the new regulations now implement the recommendations which had been made in relation to the wearing of appropriate lifejackets, the minimum age under which persons should not be allowed to operate personal watercraft and fast power craft, and the need to view this in the context of an overall appreciation of water safety. In addition, the regulations provide that persons who operate personal watercraft, jet skis, and fast power craft in a dangerous or careless manner can be prosecuted for such behaviour.
My Department has also, through the Adventure Activities Standards Authority Act, 2001, established a clear and effective statutory framework to promote and enhance the safety of all persons who engage in adventure activities at adventure centres in Ireland. The key provision of the Act is the establishment of an independent standards authority to regulate the safety of adventure activity centres and providers. In so far as commercial fishermen are concerned, it is assumed the Deputy is referring to the sea fisheries sector. I assure the Deputy that I continue to seek to enhance at all appropriate fora the fishing opportunities available to fishermen.
Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 106.
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