July 24, 2006

EUR13 million aid package for aquaculture projects

Ireland has committed EUR13.3 million for aquaculture projects under the Aquaculture Development Measure of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2000-2006.

John Browne, Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources said the grant would support a total investment of approximately EUR29 million.

A total of 41 private projects and 3 public projects would benefit from the grant.

Activities covered by the projects ranged from development of new species, expansion and modernisation of salmon and trout farms and expansion of shellfish farm facilities.

Minister Browne said diversifying into new species and investing in new technologies is critical as it would underpin future growth in Irish aquaculture and ensure it remains an important source of employment opportunities.

EUR2 million would also be allocated to projects studying the environmental impact of the marine based salmonid sector and improving their production efficiency.