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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 4

Written Answers. - Eel Fishery Development.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

59 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the potential for job creation within the eel fishing industry; if his Department has carried out a study of this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The potential for eel development has been and is being studied by the Fisheries Research Centre, the ESB and Forbairt. Preliminary results of these studies indicate that there is considerable potential for development of this fishery; in particular, if a comprehensive elver stocking programme were introduced in selected river systems the catch of eels could be increased to approximately 1,500 tonnes. This increased catch would create both direct and indirect jobs in catching, processing and exporting eels. As this would be a self-sustaining resource the benefits accruing would be ongoing. Eels are a high value, much sought after species attracting around £3,000 to £5,000 per tonne at first sale. Increased production could lead to the processing of eels on a commercial basis, thus further increasing their jobscreation potential and economic value with a projected turnover of £15 million per annum.

At present there are less than ten full-time jobs and approximately 100 part-time ones in the industry. If catches in the region of 1,500 tonnes per annum were achieved up to 350 extra full-time jobs could be created over a period of ten to 15 years.

The ESB has just completed a major research and development programme aimed at attaining the maximum possible exploitation of eels in the Shannon. They have at present provided 80 part-time jobs as a result of this and will shortly be providing 20 further jobs.

In the Erne catchment Forbairt have completed a feasibility study on developing the eel industry. It is expected that this will be followed by a research and development phase similar to that being carried out by the ESB.

A project to develop this industry is being prepared and will be considered for funding under the European Union Structural Funds Programme 1994-1999.

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