Ireland’s marine resource potential is recognised by government

& Gery Flynn

Government commitment to develop Ireland’s marine resource was underpinned yesterday by the presence of An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and four cabinet colleagues at the first annual conference of Our Ocean Wealth –  the integrated marine plan for Ireland.

“Today’s conference is a way of showing that the government is serious about the potential of this sector, and that we’ve decided to take real, strong, clear action,” remarked An Taoiseach Enda Kenny

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny speaking at Our Ocean Wealth conference in Dublin Castle. Photo Gillian Mills

“And we’re saying to people who are thinking about investment to look at this plan, and look at our progress. You can see where our commitment is. Add to that your ideas, your own initiatives, your own propositions because now is the time to get really serious about this.

“We’re removing obstacles, and we’re opening the way for sustainable investment in the marine sector in Ireland,” he added.

Endorsing these sentiments, marine minister Simon Coveney however noted Ireland’s poor historic recognition of this projected multi-billion euro resource: 

“In my view it is really a source of some shame it has taken us until now to really drive and put together a focused and integrated marine strategy for Ireland, despite the efforts of many people in this room who have been passionate about this sector for many, many years.

“But I can assure you that right at the top of government…we have people who are determined to make this strategy a reality and to work with you to ensure that we fulfill the potential – not only between now and 2020 but beyond that – of Ireland’s largest and most valuable resource”.

Full story and interviews, Inshore Ireland (05/07)