John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 240: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the business plan for the fishery harbour centres published in 2009 is being implemented; the status of this report; his views and intentions relative to its content and recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40094/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Business Plans for the Development of the Fishery Harbour Centres which were prepared by Burke and McIver Consulting and published in 2009 provide a blueprint for the future development of the six Fishery Harbour Centres. The Business Plans set out a five year timeframe for implementation of the recommendations.

In the course of their consultations Burke and McIver Consulting visited the six Fishery Harbour Centres and listened to the concerns and suggestions of the various stakeholders and harbour users. The Business Plans set out for each harbour the concerns and issues raised by Stakeholders and draw conclusions as well as making various recommendations.

The publication of the Business Plans coincided with a significant downturn in the economy and the moratorium in relation to the recruitment in the Public Service. Indeed this is acknowledged in the conclusions in Section 12 of the report. Notwithstanding this however, my Department has been cognisant of the value of the plans and the need to implement as appropriate, the recommendations made within the context of the various constraints currently prevailing.

I can confirm that my Department has made significant progress in relation to the key priorities identified in the Business Plans and has for example: -

· Arranged for the appropriate Induction Training for new Harbour management.

· Organised regular meeting with Harbour Masters where a strong emphasis has been placed on the need to ensure the optimum use of the harbour facilities.

· Organised regular Harbour Users Fora at the Fishery Harbour Centres where the views of all stakeholders are sought and discussed. The stakeholders include: -

o Fishermen

o Commercial users of the harbour

o Local representatives

o Other Government Agencies and Local Authorities

· Co-operated with Bord Iascaigh Mhara in raising the profile of the harbours with a view to expanding and seeking new business.

· Worked to ensure that where it is possible and compatible with the needs of the fishing industry that the marine leisure industry is facilitated at the Fishery Harbour Centres.

· Initiated a review of the existing Rates & Charges Order.

· Put a specific Unit in place to deal with the property portfolio at the Fishery Harbour Centres.

· Continue to oversee and progress Capital Investment in the Fishery Harbour Centres.

My Department continues to use every opportunity available to implement and progress the recommendations of the business plan. This is being achieved in the context of reduced staffing levels and resources.