The ongoing development of the seafood industry critically depends on the provision of safe, modern and efficient harbours and landing facilities and other onshore infrastructure. I am firmly committed to delivering the necessary level of investment which will underpin the competitiveness and efficiency of the fishing, processing and aquaculture sectors.
The fishery harbours development programme for 1999 provides for expenditure of more than £7 million at key strategic fishery harbours including Killybegs, Dingle, Castletownbere, Burtonport, Greencastle and Kilmore Quay. In addition, the small harbours programme I announced last month will facilitate and support upgrading and development works at a further 41 locations in eight counties. This important initiative represents a total investment of almost £4 million and will be a major boost for the local coastal communities in question and for the aquaculture sector and inshore fishermen in particular. These investments will also, in many instances, have the added benefit of underpinning local development and jobs in sea angling, marine tourism and leisure.