Major funding increase for BIM under Budget 2014

The Irish seafood development agency has received a 75% increase in its annual budget, to a total of €7m.

Welcoming the announcement, BIM’s chief executive Jason Whooley said the marine minister’s “commitment” was a vot of confidence in the agency and the wider industry.

He said the increased funds would be “critical” to ensuring BIM can assist the industry implement the new Common Fisheries Policy.

The allocation will also ensure the agency “continues with the strategic development of a scaled Irish seafood industry that can capitalise on the growing opportunities for seafood in global markets,” he said.

“BIM looks forward to working with Minister Coveney and the government in delivering on its Food Harvest 2020 targets for seafood and employment.”