Fisheries Taskforce
Fisheries Division has responsibility for implementing a £10m additional investment Programme developed by the Taskforce for South Down, created by the Minister in January 2003 with a remit to examine the potential socio-economic implications on the local fishing communities of successive EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council decisions, and to propose an Action Plan to address the economic and social challenges identified.
The six key themes of the Action Plan are as follows:-
- Fishing Industry – diversification and sustainability;
- Fishing Industry – consolidation infrastructure;
- Fishing Industry – improved training and education;
- Enhanced Tourism;
- Effective Communications and Public Relations; and
- Environmental Improvement.
As a result of the process to date, a bid for £6.3 million support from the Integrated Development Fund (IDF) was submitted to OFMDFM in January 2005. The bid was successful and will enable in excess of £10 million of additional projects to be delivered within Co. Down’s fishing dependent communities of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie. A Steering Group, under DARD Chairmanship, was created to deliver on the Taskforce’s proposed Action Plan. A Programme Co-ordinator has been appointed to assist the Steering Group deliver the key elements of the Action Plan.
This funding will help address the socio-economic difficulties being experienced by the fishing industry and its dependent communities in the South Down area.