AQW 28189/22-27
Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down
Tabled Date: 04/06/2025
Answered On Date: 10/06/2025
Priority Written: Yes
Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on plans for support for the fishing industry.
Answer:
I expect to make an announcement on the opening of the Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund (MEFF) by the end of this month after I have reviewed my officials’ proposals for this financial year. The MEFF will provide £2.75m in financial assistance to support investment in progressing a range of themes that industry has indicated are priorities. These include workforce recruitment initiatives, automation of on-board practices, economic and environmental resilience of the fleet and, a continuing focus on the de-carbonising fishing activities. In addition, I plan to write to Minister Daniel Zeichner to stress the need for Northern Ireland to secure an equitable share of the recently announced £360m Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund. I will also be seeking an assurance that my officials will be fully and meaningfully involved in all aspects of the Fund’s design, delivery and monitoring to ensure the specific needs and priorities of our stakeholders are to the fore and that it the benefits from the available support can be maximised. My officials have also commenced a review the Harbour Development Plan within the original Fishing and Seafood Development Programme to determine which elements within the original proposals remain appropriate and, subject to affordability, could be progressed over the next few years. My officials are engaging with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to determine the feasibility for my department to directly engage with Ireland regarding access to the 6-12 nautical mile zone rather than via Defra. Officials are also due to meet Isle of Man officials later this month concerning range of issues raised to date. In terms of labour, I continue to make the case to the UK Government for changes in migration policy reflecting the concerns and proposed interventions articulated by the fishing industry. Work to explore possibilities for apprenticeships continues alongside ways to increase marketing opportunities.
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