Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1108. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken in response to recommendation 2.6.4.1. in the report of the seafood task force concerning public marine infrastructure, including the amount spent to date on the development of publicly owned marine infrastructure of the €80 million recommended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17213/23]
View answerI established the Seafood Sector Taskforce to address the impacts arising on the seafood sector from the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The Deputy may be aware that in January 2022 I launched the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023 exclusively for the rejuvenation of local authority owned public piers and harbours based on the recommendations of the Taskforce Report. The Scheme is a unique initiative designed to support job creation and protection by distributing Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) funds to enhance, upgrade, modernise and develop publicly owned coastal and marine infrastructure to facilitate diversification of economic opportunities.
In April 2022 I announced initial funding of €31.7m under the Scheme for 110 projects. Following the second call for applications in December 2022, I increased this funding to €55.3m including approval for 54 additional projects and a higher rate of funding for all projects. Details of the funding allocated is available online at gov.ie - McConalogue announces increased Brexit Investment in Public Marine Infrastructure - total now €55.3 million (www.gov.ie). Funding from the BAR must be availed of before the end of 2023. Reimbursement of €1.4m was made to 5 local authorities in 2022 for 13 completed projects. Final expenditure under the Scheme will not be available until later in 2023.
In addition I have also continued funding for capital investment in the Fishery Harbour Centres and a small number of other locations under my Department's remit. €31.9m was expended on such projects in 2022, and I have allocated €37.3m for 2023.
