Boost for maritime college

Plans for a national maritime college have been given a boost with a £200,000 allocation in the Budget to kick-start the project at Haulbowline, Co Cork.

The Government has agreed "in principle" to build the new £15 million college - which would be the first of its type in the State.

However, more detailed costings have been sought before a final decision is taken, according to the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods.

Smaller fishery harbours, owners of sea angling vessels and drift-net salmon fishermen also featured in the marine section of the Budget.

A £200,000 pilot scheme to reduce salmon netting in specific catchments will arouse concerns about more extensive "buy-outs" in the drift-net sector.

In a comment on this Budget provision, the Minister, Dr Woods, said "a reorientation of catching towards tourism angling will help to maximise the value of the salmon resource in Ireland".

This does not reflect the revised estimates on the value of commercially-caught salmon, compared to fish caught by rod and line, which were noted by the Minister recently in the Dail.

Some £3 million has been allocated to improve facilities in smaller harbours and landing points. The immediate priorities for harbour funding are still Killybegs, Dingle, Burtonport, Greencastle and Kilmore Quay, the Minister emphasised last night.

Provision for a £200,000 safety scheme for sea angling vessels will allow owners and operators to purchase safety equipment.