“IFA’s members involved in the farmed fish, shellfish and farm forestry sectors look forward to real progress removing barriers to release the economic potential in these native industries”, he said.
The farmed fish and shellfish sector employs 2,000 people in peripheral coastal areas and is worth over €100m in exports annually. The industry needs Government to urgently address the backlog of licence applications and renewals affected by the Habitats Directive and also to immediately open the Operational programme for the aquaculture sector to encourage companies to begin again to invest capital and create new jobs.
IFA's sectoral representatives for Aquaculture and Forestry are seeking a early meeting with Minister Connick to seek progress in their respective areas of concern.
Mr Bryan thanked outgoing Minister Tony Killeen for his work in these areas and wished him well in his promotion to Minister for Defence.
Ireland Welcomes New Minister Of State For Fisheries
IRELAND - Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) President, John Bryan, has welcomed the appointment of Sean Connick TD to the role of Minister of State with responsibility for the crucial indigenous economic sectors of Fisheries and Forestry.
