Fishery industry potential stressed

The Western Development Commission report fails to make any radical proposals on employment in the marine sector, beyond emphasising the potential of fish farming and fish processing in the region.

The study notes that census figures for employment in the marine sector underestimate the overall significance of fishing in the region. It notes the importance of Killybegs, Co Donegal, which accounted for 51 per cent of total fish landings at Irish ports in 1997, and says that almost half of the national total fish landings that year came through ports located in the west.

However, it notes that EU quotas have constrained further development in some areas, while some quotas have not been used up in restricted species. It says measures to assist the catching sector should be primarily focused in areas where quota constraints will not apply - a policy already being pursued by Bord Iascaigh Mhara in relation to the whitefish renewal scheme and exploratory work in co-operation with the Marine Institute.

It makes no reference to future development in relation to the forthcoming review of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.

The study notes that fish processing is a significant source of employment in the west, with potential for further expansion, as is fish farming. Estimates suggest there may be scope for more than 800 additional jobs in the fish farming sector over the seven years from 2000, it says. Funds should be made available to support all viable projects which meet cost-benefit ratios, and which don't have adverse environmental impacts, the study adds.