Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Given that the Tánaiste and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine are in the Chamber, the programme for Government commits to securing a sustainable future for the fisheries sector while supporting coastal communities. The small piers spread across our coastline and offshore islands are key pieces of infrastructure that support local communities. They enable the type of sustainable fishing that has been practised in Ireland for generations and facilitate recreational tourism opportunities.

The recent seafood task force recognised public marine infrastructure as a critical enabler to maximising the use and benefits to be gained from our rich marine resources. Every year Cork County Council and other local authorities receive vastly insufficient funds to even maintain, not to mention develop, these crucial pieces of infrastructure.

As I know that funding will be allocated in the coming weeks, I ask that the Government prioritise investment in this area, which needs to go further this time in order that local authorities can carry out that crucial work for coastal and island communities.

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