Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 December 2013
187. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who wants to develop and expand a fishing enterprise; the financial assistance and practical supports available to assist this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54487/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraA range of supports are available to the seafood sector through the Seafood Development Programme 2007-2013, which may continue to operate up to the end of 2015. A new development programme for the period 2014-2020 is presently being developed by my Department to implement the proposed EU Regulation for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
The principal measure under the present Programme for the development of the aquaculture sector is the Commercial Aquaculture Development Scheme. This Scheme is delivered by both Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The Scheme provides grants of up to 40% of eligible costs to licensed aquaculture operators. The Scheme is aimed at promoting investment in the sustainable development and modernisation of aquaculture SME’s. The Scheme supports investments in the construction, extension, equipment and modernisation of aquaculture sites, in particular with a view to improving working conditions, hygiene, human or animal health and product quality, and reducing negative impact or enhancing positive effects on the environment. Investments must contribute to one or more of the following objectives:
a) diversification towards new species and production of species with good market prospects;
b) implementation of aquaculture methods substantially reducing negative impact or enhancing positive effects on the environment when compared with normal practice in the aquaculture sector;
c) support for traditional aquaculture activities important for preserving and developing both the economic and social fabric and the environment;
d) support for the purchase of equipment aiming at protecting the farms from wild predators; and
e) improvement of the working and safety conditions of aquaculture workers.
To be eligible to avail of the Scheme, an aquaculture site must have a valid current aquaculture licence, i.e. not awaiting licence renewal. Any site located in a Natura 2000 area must also have undergone the necessary environmental assessments required under the Habitats Directive and be licensed in accordance with the outcome of that assessment.
Further details of this and other financial supports to the aquaculture sector are available at www.bim.ie/schemes. In addition, BIM also provides professional advice and assistance to the aquaculture sector on husbandry matters.
