Ireland’s seafood sector to receive €241m development funds

A programme for Ireland’s seafood sector of double the previous investment by 2020 “demonstrates our commitment to growing and developing the sector” says marine minister Simon Coveney.

The €241m programme comprising €147m provided under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and €94m government funding, is subject to adoption by the European Commission.

L-R; Michael Keatinge, Fisheries Development Manager BIM,Milos Korinek, Fishmonger Scally SuperValu; Minister Simon Coveney TD; Dr Susan Steele Chair SFPA; Tara McCarthy Food & Beverages Director Bord Bia; Peter Heffernan CEO Marine Institute and Cecil Beamish DAFM Clonakilty

Speaking at the launch in Clonakilty, Co Cork, Minister Coveney added that seafood was widely recognised as a “high growth area” of the Irish economy and has the potential to grow to €1bn by 2020. Currently the sector is worth approximately €850m with exports growing by 70% since 2009 to €540m.

“The investment package will provide capital to assist seafood enterprises to sustainably grow their production, add value to our seafood exports and create much needed employment in our coastal communities,” Minister Coveney said.

He noted however there would be differing views on how the funds should be invested and which areas should be prioritised.

“Following a detailed process of analysing investment needs of the sector, I am proposing to invest €42m on implementing the new Common Fisheries Policy (to include measures to develop more selective fishing gear and supporting the new discards ban).”

Minister Coveney also proposes to invest a further €6m to revive and sustainably grow inshore fisheries; €30m to sustainably develop the aquaculture industry and implement a new national plan for aquaculture [announcement due shortly]; €12m to grow seafood-based economies through FLAGs, and €41m to grow markets, develop the seafood processing industry and develop new value-added products.

A further €10m will support implementation of EU environmental law “to help protect vulnerable habitats and species and ensure that our seafood sector continues to operate and grow in a sustainable manner,” he said.

Comments are invited by May 1; the consultation document and strategic environmental assessment are available on http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/customerservice/publicconsultations/