We have now reached a stage where the industry plays a central role in the economic life of many periphery coastal communities, where there may be few, if any, alternative employment opportunities. The Operational Programme for Fisheries, 1994-99, played a key role in supporting its development in the last decade through the provision of €15 million in EU and Exchequer funding. Over the lifetime of the operational programme, the value of the industry's output rose from €51 million to over €87 million. Notwithstanding the considerable growth that has taken place, the industry is widely accepted as having the potential for further growth and development. For example, a report prepared by consultants engaged by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, CIRCA, predicted that output could grow very substantially over the next decade.