Marine Minister Gallagher Welcomes New EU Fisheries Fund
Brussels, Tuesday 23 November 2004
Marine Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher, T.D., outlined Ireland's priorities for a new Euro pean Fisheries Fund for 2007-2013 at today's Fisheries Council in Brussels.
The Council reviewed the broad objectives for the Commission's proposed €5 billion Fund and Member States outlined their key priorities. Minister Gallagher was very supportive of the key objectives which provide for,
- Support for recovery plans and sustainability
- Support for the economic development of coastal areas
- Inshore fisheries and aquaculture development.
Minister Gallagher said, The last number of years have been very difficult for the fishing industry and there is still some way to go before we achieve sustainability of fish stocks. The sector has however shown a willingness to embrace new initiatives such as using more environmentally friendly fishing gears. Ireland, with the active support of the fishing industry, has long campaigned for such initiatives as a conservation tool and indeed it was a cornerstone of our EU Presidency earlier this year. Environmentally friendly fishing initiatives are the way forward and I think that it is particularly significant that the new Fisheries Fund contains specific provision to support projects in this area.
Minister Gallagher continued, I set down Ireland's key development priorities for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and strongly supported the new focus on the development of coastal fishing areas and inshore fisheries. At long last there is a recognition at EU level of the urgent need to address the developmental needs of these areas and the sustainable development of inshore fisheries. I believe that this new Fund will enable us to make meaningful progress in this direction. The provision of targeted financial assistance is vital in order to bring about social and economic prosperity in our coastal communities.
Aquaculture plays a vital role in our coastal communities and can play an even more significant role going forward. The Minister stressed that the Fisheries Fund must provide meaningful support and assistance to the developing aquaculture sector so as to secure the maximum number of jobs in aquaculture production and processing into the future.
The negotiations on the Commission's proposals are at an early stage and there is still much discussion ahead to refine the exact scope and extent of the new Fund.
Minister Gallagher concluded, I will be seeking a fair share of funding for Irish fishermen and for the aquaculture sector. There is a real need to deliver effective support to these sectors that will drive change and deliver a sustainable future for coastal communities dependent on fisheries and aquaculture.
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