MARINE research and inland fisheries are among the main beneficiaries of a 10 per cent gross increase in marine spending. The vote is evidence of the Government's "continuing commitment" to the sector's development, according to the Minister for the Marine, Mr Barrett.
However, the Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation (IS&WFO) has described the Estimates as a "sad reflection on lack of political commitment" to sea fisheries, and has criticised the Minister for failing to act on fishing vessel safety.
Welcoming the 64 per cent increase in spending on marine research - up from £3.56 million to £5.84 million - the IS&WFO said spending on marine safety made no allowances for the state of the whitefish fleet. The Government's Fishing Vessel Review Group report had found 63 per cent of vessels to be defective, Mr Tom Hassett of the IS&WFO said.
He said: "It was a brilliant survey by the Minister's own representatives, and yet there has been no action. How many more lives have to be lost? There seems to be a deliberate Government policy to suppress the whole sea fisheries industry here, for the ultimate benefit of our European partners.
The 1997 allocation for marine safety is set to fall from £10.54 million to £7.66 million, largely due to reduced cost for provision of the west coast medium range search and rescue helicopter, according to the Department of the Marine. The new contract, which has been held by Irish Helicopters for the last five years, is to be taken up by the Scottish company, Bond Helicopters.
The provision of an east coast marine search and rescue helicopter, promised by the Minister, is "under active consideration", the Department says. Expenditure on the Loran C navigation system, which is on hold pending amending legislation and the final outcome of court proceedings, is down 80 per cent from £1.4 million to £286,000.
In tandem with the increase in marine research, the Marine Institute allocation is up 7 per cent, from £1.3 million to £1.4 million. The five per cent increase in spending for Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has been described as "derisory" by the IS&WFO.
Inland fisheries continues to take priority, with EU support for angling. The allocation to by 16 per cent next year, from £13.8 million to £16.06 million. Expenditure on inland fisheries surveillance is set to fall by 42 per cent, while there is an 86 per cent projected increase in expenditure in acquiring inland fisheries and other property.
A major development at Tralee/Fenit harbour in Co Kerry and coastal protection works account for a 76 per cent increase in the provision for harbour development and coast protection.
