Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 427: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding efforts to transfer Dingle Ice Plant, County Kerry to a alternative operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20954/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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BIM is an independent statutory body and hence policy in relation to the operation and management of the Dingle Ice Plant is a matter for the Agency. I have, however, been advised by BIM that it intends to put the Dingle ice plant out to the public tender.

Amid concerns expressed regarding possible disruption to the availability of this valuable resource I made representation to the BIM Board to explore options for the continuation of BIM involvement in the production of ice in Dingle on a short term interim basis subject to BIM delivering on its Employment Control Framework targets end ensuring that there is no increase in BIM staff numbers at year end. While the Plant is important to all fishing out of Dingle as it provides ice for the boats that use the pier while also attracting a number of foreign vessels, the volume of ice being sold from the plant has decreased significantly.

Following deliberation between BIM, the Department of Finance and my Department it has been agreed to extend the contracts of the 2 Dingle Ice plant operators for a further 2 months from the original 30th of June cessation date.

Through a tendering process the Dingle Ice Plant will be made available to the local community and it is hoped that there will be minimal disruption to the industry in the greater Dingle area and that an appropriate tendering process will secure the long term future of this important resource. This will contribute to the continued growth and development of the Dingle Fishery Harbour facility for use by both the national fleet and international vessels.