Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:145 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Marine the policy of his Department for the encouragement of and aid for traditional users of bays in our coastal areas.
Written Answers. - Fishery and Aquaculture Development.
The policy objective is to facilitate and encourage fisheries and aquaculture as local, natural resource based activities with considerable employment potential for our coastal areas. These opportunities are supported by existing programmes and further planned investment under the National Development Plan to maintain and strengthen the fishing and aquaculture sectors' contribution to growth and jobs.
This development objective recognises the necessity to strike a balance between the needs of traditional users of the marine resource and the possibilities offered by new areas of potential. I am committed to ensuring that further development of all such activities is achieved through a process of local consultation and consensus. Priority will be given over the coming months to developing an integrated policy framework for Coastal Zone Management, in consultation with local interests and relevant authorities.