Government support for at least 30 new fishing vessels is to be announced by the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, today.
The initiative aims to significantly boost the Irish whitefish fleet, which has been classified as one of Europe's oldest. New building within the fleet came to a virtual standstill after Ireland signed up to the EC Common Fisheries Policy 15 years ago.
The three-year fleet renewal package announced by Dr Woods earlier this summer and agreed with the European Commission was put together by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). It has been heralded as "a new dawn" by one of the most influential voices in the marine sector, Mr Joey Murrin of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation (KFO).
The package comprises some £9 million in EU and State grants and more than £30 million in investment through tax incentives.
Some 45 per cent of the cost of about 30 new vessels will be financed, and 10 to 15 per cent of the cost of modern second-hand vessels. There will 25 per cent grant-aid for refurbishing existing boats, and 50 per cent assistance for buying safety equipment.
Some 400 vessel-owners may benefit from various aspects of the initiative, according to the Minister, with a spin-off of up to 500 additional jobs in the industry.
BIM expects it will boost the value of landings by almost £30 million annually. Fish exports are currently running at over £200 million, with more than £155 million worth being sold to the European market.
Today's announcement will come just a week after publication of the report on the 1995 Carrickatine fishing accident, in which six Donegal fishermen died. The report is inconclusive, as neither the bodies nor the vessel were found.
But the investigation highlighted safety inadequacies on the 25-year-old vessel and reiterated recommendations made in an earlier review. The Minister has promised to introduce new safety legislation shortly and has stressed the financial aid for safety equipment in the new package.
The Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation (IS&WFO) has welcomed the package, but has criticised the small level of State aid involved, at only £2.5 million in a £40 million scheme.
Modernisation grants were also too small, the organisation said. Although the package was long overdue and welcome, the IS&WFO said, the EU must recognise the disadvantaged position of the Irish whitefish fleet.
