Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1309. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the dates to date in 2023 that he has visited each fishery harbour centre under the remit of his Department; the purpose of each visit, in tabular form; and the fishery harbour centres under the remit of his Department that he intends to visit again before the end of the year. [38478/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll my visits and meetings are a matter of public record. To date I have made the following visits to the Fishery Harbour Centres:
|
Date of Visit |
Fishery Harbour Centre |
Purpose of Visit |
|
24/02/2023 |
Ros An Mhíl |
Official “Makes Ground” of the €30 million Deep Water Quay |
|
02/03/2023 |
Howth |
Official naming of the €10 million “Fishing Pier” |
|
28/04/2023 |
Killybegs |
Attendance at meetings |
I was pleased to be able to meet with stakeholders at both of these events and hear directly from harbour users and other coastal community stakeholders. Both of these are significant capital projects to allow the fishing industry to deliver and maximise the opportunities for primary and secondary processing and ensure a strong Irish seafood processing industry as reflected in the Government’s Food Vision 2030 policy.
Throughout 2023, I have met with fishing industry representatives on a regular basis including the National Inshore Fisheries Forum and the Producer Organisations in a variety of settings, allowing me the opportunity to hear industry concerns and priorities. As part of these regular, productive meetings, I have updated the fishing industry representatives on the implementation of the support schemes recommended by the Seafood Sector Task Force, and advance preparations for 2024 fishing opportunity negotiations.
Additionally, a Harbour User Forum is held annually by my Department for each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres which are accommodating an ever-increasing amount of diverse marine commercial businesses all of which complement the critical economic activity generated by our fishing industry and help to maintain the vitality of these coastal communities. At these meetings users have the opportunity to raise any issues, concerns or suggestions for the management and development of the Fishery Harbour Centres with the teams running the Fishery Harbour Centre concerned.
I have other visits planned before the end of the year, however, as these may be subject to change, I am unable to confirm any dates for my future engagements at this time.
