Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
856. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of the amount assigned to each local authority to rejuvenate public piers and harbours under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve in tabular form. [11455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25th January, I launched a new €35m scheme exclusively for the rejuvenation of local authority owned public piers and harbours. The scheme flows from a recommendation from the Seafood Taskforce which I set up last year to examine how to address the impacts arising on the seafood sector from the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). In keeping with the Taskforce recommendation, this scheme is being proposed for funding under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve and will run throughout 2022 and 2023.
The Scheme is aiming to attract shovel-ready projects of up to €1m budget in areas where the local coastal community is dependent on fishing activities, in particular the small-scale coastal fisheries sector. In addition, the Scheme offers the possibility of funding larger projects where there is particular exposure to Brexit due to proximity to UK waters and the loss of fishing opportunities.
I would encourage all coastal local authorities to submit project applications and work closely with my Department to ensure that eligible projects receive funding. Applications will be assessed, taking into account compliance with the criteria of the scheme, the priority attached to each project by the relevant Local Authority and the need to ensure a broad geographical spread of projects. Applications have been invited for the first tranche of projects by 8th March and there will be further calls later in the year.
I must stress that responsibility for the development and maintenance of local authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each local authority in the first instance. I am also mindful that the primary governance role for local authorities rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and any wider funding issues for local authorities should be addressed to that Minister.
