Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to support an ice plant at a pier in County Donegal (details supplied) to benefit the local fishing communities. [28285/11]

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 ice plants is a matter for the Agency. BIM have, however, informed me that, following a decision by the Board, the Agency is currently reviewing its ice plant operations with the intention of seeking expressions of interest from local operators who may be interested in operating the current Ice Plant network.

BIM advise that on this basis through a tendering process, ice plants will be made available to the local community. It is hoped that the arrangements put in place by BIM will cause minimal disruption to the industry and that an appropriate tendering process will secure the long term future of these important resources.

With regard to the fishery harbour centres generally, I am happy to say that my Department has a history of investing substantially in the upgrade and development of the facilities available to the fishing fleet at the fishery harbour centres, as we strive to bring the standard of facilities available up to a level comparable with best practice. This investment continues to date and I can confirm that in excess of €10 million has been allocated to the fishery harbours and coastal infrastructure development capital programme for 2011.