Forestry and fisheries sectors to get €160m boost under revised development plan
This comes after the publication of a revised National Development Plan (NDP), which has been welcomed by minister for agriculture Martin Heydon.
The revised NDP sets out the department's five-year money allocation plan. The NDP aims to support economic, social, and environmental development in rural and coastal communities.
Mr Heydon said: 'The NDP allocation that I secured for my department will contribute to improved competitiveness, including through research and innovation, capital investment at the industry level to support international market diversification, and investment to meet climate and environmental obligations.''
Investing in TAMS is a key priority for the department. This investment supports competitiveness on Irish farms, generational renewal and supports slurry storage that will be a critical component in supporting the case for the renewal of the Nitrates Derogation.
Funds will also help forestry minister Michael Healy-Rae to fund the Forestry Windblow Reconstruction Scheme, which relates to damage caused by Storms Darragh and Éowyn, which extends to 25,750 hectares of forestry, of which 11,600 hectares are in private ownership.
Speaking on the revised funds, Mr Healy-Rae said: 'These additional funds will support the department in addressing forestry window damage due to Storms Darragh and Éowyn. The Forest Windblow Taskforce that I established earlier this year has been calling for funds on this, and I am delighted that this has been reflected by the Government in the NDP allocation to my department.''
Additional funds here will assist fisheries minister Timmy Dooley to prioritise the development of Howth and Ros an Mhíl harbours, which are currently major development projects. Once completed, these improvements aim to improve the viability and sustainability of the seafood sector.
Mr Dooley said 'This funding will ensure the continued development of Howth Harbour and Ros an Mhíl, as funds have already been expended on these projects. Howth Harbour is already facing operational difficulties, with some vessels being diverted to Dún Laoghaire due to their inability to safely enter the harbour. Unless it is dredged, Howth Harbour will become inaccessible to fishing boats, the RNLI and other harbour users.''
Mr Heydon said: 'This plan is ambitious, and investment is required to fulfil this ambition. Public capital investments in the agri-food sector will seek to support the sustainable development of the sector in accordance with the ambition in Food Vision 2030 and the new CAP regulations.
"The agri-food sector is an essential part of the economic and social fabric of Ireland. Our world-class food and drink companies continue to bring high quality and distinctive produce to global markets. This sector will continue to deliver food security for Ireland and other countries. This is needed more than ever in the current economic climate of tariffs.''
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