Robert Molloy
Ceist:65 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Marine if he will reduce the Bord Iascaigh Mhara required size for grant aid for currachs from 23'0" to 19'0"; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Grant Aid for Currachs.
Exchequer and European Community financial assistance is made available through BIM for the construction, repair and refurbishment of fishing boats. The lower length limit for the award of State-aid for currachs is 23 feet. As they are open, unengined, vessels, currachs are not eligible for European Community grant-aid.
Given the current restrictions on availability of finance, I have no plans at this time to raise the lower length limit for the award of State aid for currachs.