Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - National Development Plan.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

53 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress made to date regarding implementation of the elements of the national development plan relating to marine and natural resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9910/02]

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

Investment in 2000 and 2001 under the marine and natural resources NDP schemes amounted to almost €305 million representing 66% of targeted investment over that period. This reflects significant progress when account is taken of the delays in finalising the operational programmes and programme complements, the impact of the foot and mouth disease outbreak and delays in obtaining EU State aid approval.

Under the NDP €916 million has been provided for forestry of which €688 million is co-funded under the CAP rural development fund. A further €228 million has been provided under the regional operational programmes and the productive sector programme to improve existing woodlands, develop urban and amenity woodlands, re-establish forest plantations and to generally enhance forest infrastructure. Total investment to the end of 2001 under NDP forestry schemes amounted to €198 million, representing more than 80% of targeted investment.

A sum of €430 million is being invested in the seafood sector over the period of the plan. Investment to the end of 2001 in this sector included almost €30 million in fishery harbours, €2 million in seafood marketing and €3.6 million in seafood training. Coastal fishing communities will benefit from investment under schemes which have already been launched or which are scheduled to be launched in the near future. These include the €127 million fleet modernisation and renewal programme, the €87 million programme of investment in the development of seafood processing, the €27 million fisheries innovation and sustainability scheme and the €73 million programme of investment in the development of the aquaculture industry. I have recently announced the first tranche of projects under the fisheries innovation and sustainability scheme and the aquaculture development programme involving total investment of €10 million and €12 million respectively.

Further investment to date of some €69 million under the NDP has been made in marine RTDI, commercial ports and coast protection programmes. The EU recently granted State aid approval in respect of tourism measures under the NDP and I launched the NDP scheme for marine-based tourism and leisure scheme in early February this year. I expect to launch tourism and recreational angling measures in the near future.