Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for that further information. I hope Cork County Council will take the opportunity to engage with local stakeholders in an appropriate way regarding proposed works or changes to the use of marine public infrastructure.

Returning to the scheme, I spoke about the seafood sector task force. This is a special once-off emergency instrument under the Brexit adjustment scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide support to counter the adverse economic, social, territorial and, where appropriate, environmental consequences of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. Ireland is the biggest beneficiary of this fund. The BALAMI scheme is designed to support job creation and protection by distributing these funds to enhance, upgrade, modernise and develop Ireland's publicly-owned coastal and marine infrastructure and thereby support downstream opportunities. As was mentioned, 14 projects have already been approved. There is still funding available. Cork County Council will have to engage with local communities and the Department in any new application. I detect from reading this note that the issue must be with recreational activities, which the Deputy mentioned, including the various clubs involved in marine sports, sailing and whale-watching activities. All of those are important but the funding must be linked to the Brexit issue. That is the point. The scheme is funded from the Brexit fund.

The Deputy mentioned Glandore pier. I have been following social media in the last day or two and have seen protests on these matters. It is important that the council consult the local community and have a Brexit-impact aspect to the application before resubmitting it to the Department. There is still funding available.

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