THE GOVERNMENT AIMS to double the value of Ireland’s ocean wealth under a newly launched plan.
Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth – An Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland was launched at the Marine Institute, Galway, yesterday.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government plans to double the value of Ireland’s ocean wealth to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2030 and increase the turnover from our ocean economy to exceed €6.4bn by 2020.
Roadmap
He said the plan presents a “roadmap for the Government’s vision to tap into a €1,200 billion global market for seafood, tourism, oil and gas, renewable ocean energy and new applications for health, medicine and technology”.
The Taoiseach described the plan as “a dynamic one”. He said the Government is determined that it will be “a key component of our economic recovery and sustainable growth generating social, economic and cultural benefits for all.”
The plan focuses on the State creating the right conditions to promote investment and enable growth. Good governance and maritime safety, security and surveillance of our ocean wealth are key to achieving the targets.
National asset
Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine TD, said:
For too long we have turned our backs on the sea and it’s time now to look to our ocean as a national asset, to harness the opportunities for economic recovery. We need to treasure what we have and protect it for future generations. We also need to build on the potential of our ocean wealth and what it can give back to its people.
Actions
There are 15 actions identified for implementation in the period 2012-2014, including the development of an enterprise strategy to generate momentum in specific emerging market opportunities, for example offshore renewable, offshore services, ICT and sensors, and biotechnology.
It also includes the development of an integrated approach to marine and coastal planning and licensing. The plan will focus on addressing deficiencies in the current planning and licensing system and developing an appropriate Maritime Spatial Planning Framework for Ireland.
The plan will be under the supervision of the Marine Coordination Group chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Two task forces will be established to strengthen the role of the group, one to focus on enabling actions and one to focus on development actions.
A range of stakeholders contributed to the consultation process during February and March this year, during which over 190 submissions were received.
An annual report on the plan will be published in 2014 and each year thereafter, to show the progress under the plan. An annual national seminar will also be held.
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