Liz O'Donnell
Ceist:40 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Marine the way in which it is planned to achieve Government targets for increased employment in aquaculture in 1993.
Written Answers. - Development of Aquaculture Sector.
Plans for the development of the aquaculture sector involve a target of some 1,100 additional jobs to be created in the period 1993-1997.
There will also be a significant number of jobs created downstream in added value processing and marketing and in the supplies and services area.
The projections for job creation are based on a proposed total investment of some £46 million over the period of half of which will come from the private sector. Community funding plays a significant part in encouraging entrants to the aquaculture industry. The objective therefore is to maximise Community support with minimum enabling Exchequer funds to underpin investment in the sector and to achieve employment and production targets. I am confident that this objective will be reflected in the National Development Plan.
This investment strategy is being complemented by strategies to develop a more efficient and cost effective industry structure; to improve marketing structures and opportunities; and to enhance technical performance and quality awareness.
Work is underway to bring a significant proportion of identified projects and related jobs on-stream this year. Up to one hundred concrete proposals, mostly in the shellfish sector are being actively assessed by BIM in discussion with promoters and community based co-operatives.