Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 539: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to expand employment and encourage maritime enterprise at the port of Howth in Fingal County; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29183/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Howth is one of 6 Fishery Harbour Centres operated by the State each of whose primary purpose is to provide facilities and services for the fishing industry and fisheries-related activities. There has been significant capital investment in the Fishery Harbour Centres and the State is fully committed to maximising the return on its investment, both in terms of providing enhanced facilities and, where possible, job creation. For that reason, all income generated by the Fishery Harbour Centres goes back into a ring-fenced Fishery Harbour Centres Fund which is used exclusively for the operating and management costs of the Fishery Harbours.

In parallel with fishing-related enhancements, there have been a number of developments at the Fishery Harbours in recent years that underpin their expanding use for leisure and marine tourism, as well as other maritime enterprises. These developments will naturally add value in terms of job creation. The State is always prepared to encourage and facilitate any developments within the Fishery Harbours that are compatible with their primary function of supporting the fishing industry. In that context, I welcome any proposals in Howth or elsewhere which can create jobs or promote maritime enterprise.