Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

72 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will approve a grant for the provision of a warehouse for use as a fish plant at Fenit, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12746/02]

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

Grant aid for the development of the seafood processing sector is available under the national development plan in which the Government has allocated €32 million for the development of the sector. The proposed project may be eligible for funding under this programme.

The seafood processing development measure is administered by three implementing agencies, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and, in Gaeltacht areas, Údarás na Gaeltachta.

The project promoter should contact the relevant agency with a view to making an application under the programme. A call for project applications under the programme was announced earlier this month and the closing date for receipt of applications at the agencies is 24 May 2002.

Project applications will be assessed by the agencies in line with the published eligibility criteria and the objectives of the programme. A Project Approvals Board has been established to consider eligible applications. I have arranged for details of the scheme to be sent to the Deputy.