John Browne
Extends Closing Date for Applications Under Hardship Fund for
Commercial Salmon Fishermen
Dublin , 27th March 2007
John
Browne T.D., Minister of State at the Department of
Communications, Marine & Natural Resources, has announced that he
has instructed Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Regional
Fisheries Board to extend the closing date for the receipt of
completed application forms for the Salmon Hardship Scheme to
Friday, April 27th 2007.
The
decision to extend the deadline for qualifying fishermen was taken
on foot the strong interest that has been shown in the scheme,
with over 600 applications having been so far received.
“As
the original deadline of the end of March approached, I noted the
significant numbers of applications that were being made from
around the country in the last few days. The extension of the
closing date by one month will facilitate all those concerned to
have additional time to evaluate the scheme and to make an
informed decision.” commented Browne.
Notes to Editors:
The scheme was
published earlier this month to provide a measure of relief to
those affected by the cessation of mixed stock fishing for wild
salmon in line with Government commitments and in compliance with
the EU Habitats Directive
Under the hardship scheme, each fisherman will receive a payment
equal to six times their average annual catch over the period
2001-2005, multiplied by the average price per salmon over the
period (€23). Each fisherman will also receive a payment equal to
six times the 2006 licence fee. The fund is normally available to
all commercial salmon licence holders who held a licence for the
2006 season.
An
additional €5 million fund will be available for a community
support scheme. This support scheme is designed to aid the
development of those communities where the impact of the cessation
of salmon fishing will be hardest felt and provide alternative
employment and economic opportunities for those affected. Details
of this scheme will be announced shortly.
ENDS
For
further media information, please contact:-
Olive Stephens, Press Advisor +353 1 678 2440 / Mobile: 087 760
1642
Ken Cleary, Press Officer: Office +353 1 678 2441 / Mobile: 087
905 9618
Email: press.office@dcmnr.gov.ie
On the 2 March 2007, the Minister of
State, John Browne TD, announced details of the €30 million hardship
fund for commercial salmon fishermen. The creation of this scheme
was the key recommendation of the report by the Independent Group
which was established to examine the implications of alignment with
the scientific advice for the commercial salmon sector in 2007 and
beyond which was adopted by Government last year.
The hardship scheme will be widely advertised in the
national media. A booklet detailing the scheme and including an
application form will also be sent to all those who held commercial
salmon fishing licences in 2006. Applications for the scheme can be
made until 30th March 2007. Offers to applicants will be
made shortly thereafter and licence holders will have until the end
of the year to accept an offer from the scheme.
The scheme is being administered by Bord Iascaigh
Mhara (BIM) and all queries relating to the scheme should be
referred to BIM at (01) 214 4100. Details of the scheme are also
available on the BIM website at the following link:-
http://www.bim.ie/templates/text_content.asp?node_id=934
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM HERE
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