asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if a boat-building yard (details supplied) in County Wexford has had to close due to the lack of finance from BIM at a time when there is ample demand for such boats, and if he will make the necessary finance available so that this firm can remain in production.
Written Answers. - County Wexford Boat-Building Yard.
58.
Priority for loan assistance to fishermen from the limited funds available to BIM is at present being accorded to the modernisation and refurbishment of existing vessels so that loan assistance is not currently available for the building of new vessels. Grant aid is however available to applicants who can organise loans from other sources.
I am not in a position to make any further finance available to BIM for 1986 over and above the financial allocations recently decided by the Government. BIM of course have to have regard to the suitability of the applicant in considering any application for financial assistance.