Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

150. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his key priorities in relation to the forthcoming capital review; the projects submitted for priority inclusion in the review; the status of negotiations with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2282/18]

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

The 2018-2027 National Development Plan is currently in the process of being finalised. The plan, which will be published alongside the new National Planning Framework “Ireland 2040”, will set out the Government's intentions in relation to public capital investment beyond 2021.

My priority is for the investment in the agri-food sector, through a well-funded Rural Development Programme, Seafood Development Programme and Forestry Programme, which will empower rural communities and underpin the sustainable growth the agri-food sector as set out in Food Wise 2025. Investment in the agri-food sector is required to improve competitiveness, to ensure the maintenance of Ireland’s landscape, improvements in biodiversity and water quality, to contribute to climate change goals and the development of our Fisheries Harbour Centres and research infrastructure.

In addition to specific public infrastructure projects, capital expenditure by my Department is largely comprised of demand-led multiannual investment programmes which support investments by large number operators in a range of projects across the agriculture, food and marine sectors. I expect this will continue to be the case and I have sought the inclusion in the new NDP of a number of programmes/projects including the following

- Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme

- Forestry Programme

- Remediation of Haulbowline Island

- National Food Innovation Hub

- Prepared Consumer Food Innovation Centre

- Investment in company innovation capacity

- Fisheries Harbour Centres

- Marine Institute and other research infrastructure.

- Seafood Development Programme