Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 562: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to increase grant funding to the aquaculture sector to develop technological innovation and environmentally sustainable techniques, including organic farming, and diversification into new species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28617/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Seafood Development Operational Programme includes a measure aimed at providing grant aid to small and medium sized aquaculture enterprises in the private sector. The Operational Programme has been finalised and discussions are underway with the Commission with a view to receiving Commission approval of the Operational Programme. DG Environment has opposed the inclusion of grant aid for aquaculture development in the co-funded Operational Programme and it is anticipated in this context that aquaculture development will instead be included in the nationally funded measures.

In certain high-risk areas, BIM will undertake pilot or prototype projects in conjunction with industry players to assess the feasibility of innovative technology.