DARD could help Glenarm salmon fishery - MEP
03 January 2008
Statement by Jim Allister MEP:
“Having been disappointed by the negative response so far of DARD to the jellyfish wipe-out of Northern Salmon, and believing compensation was payable, I took the matter directly to Commissioner Borg. He has now confirmed to me in a letter that under point 4.6 of the Guidelines on State Aid, the local Department could grant aid to make good damage caused by “natural disasters or exceptional occurrences”. Unfortunately, neither the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance 2000-2006, nor the European Fisheries Fund 2007-2013 provide for direct EU aid, but it is now clear DARD could help.
The losses at Glenarm were clearly the result of an “exceptional occurrence” and, therefore, DARD could and should seek approval from Brussels to pay compensation to get this valuable acquaculture venture up and running again. I trust there will be no more feet-dragging on this issue.”
