Irish marine plans
The Irish Government has outlined new economic research indicating its blueprint for the marine industry which could deliver more than 16,000 additional jobs and an additional €2.7bn in economic growth by 2020.
Addressing the second ‘Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth’ Conference in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said: “The challenge now is to make the marine sector a leading contributor to the Irish economy and to recognise the potential we have as an island nation to be a major player in the sector internationally.”
Ireland’s Ocean Economy report produced by the National University of Ireland in Galway reveals that in addition to the 18,400 individuals currently directly employed in Ireland’s marine industries, a further 13,000 are employed indirectly across the wider economy, creating an additional €3.3bn in turnover.
This second annual conference which reviewed ongoing progress on implementation of the Government’s Integrated Marine Plan (published in 2012) was attended by over 500 delegates from the public and private sector with an involvement in the marine sector.
By Anne-Marie Causer
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