Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
29 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his policy towards the development of marinas in the State; the number of marinas in operation at present; the number and location of marinas that are under construction or are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25750/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the suspension of the marine tourism grant scheme in December 2002, no funds have been available from the Department to support the development of coastal-estuarine marinas in the State, other than the €5.7 million that was committed to a limited number of marine tourism projects outside of the scheme as a budget day adjustment in 2000.
It is unlikely at this stage that the marine tourism grant scheme could be reactivated within the term of the national development plan. Since the scheme has been suspended, the Department has no direct role in marina development, other than its regulatory role under the Foreshore Acts, which licenses such developments on the foreshore. The number of leases being processed at the moment is not necessarily an indicator of the number of marinas that will be constructed or are planned.
While there is no direct funding available at present, the Department supports the activities of the Marine Institute which undertakes a programme of research and development on the marine tourism and leisure sector. The Marine Institute works closely with the sector to disseminate its findings and to give advice and support.
