2013

East Coast emerging maritime industries can become drivers of economic growth – Doyle

graham 2013, Agriculture, Dáil Éireann

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/East Carlow and Chairman of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, Andrew Doyle, has welcomed the findings of the annual report of the Marine Institute. The €80 billion Horizon 2020 Programme – the initiative aimed at securing Europe’s global competitiveness. Running from 2014 to 2020, the EU’s new programme for research and innovation is part of the drive to create new growth and jobs in Europe – has an increased budget of nearly 30% in real terms compared with its predecessor, the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7). As a result of a new strategic programming approach, 12 Focus Areas have been identified for special attention. One of these, Blue Growth: Unlocking the potential of the seas and oceans, means that marine/maritime research and innovation will receive special attention in Horizon 2020.

Deputy Doyle adds “A typical example on the East Coast is Arklow Marine Services run by the Tyrrell family, who have been involved in boat building in Arklow since 1864 and are a fifth generation that continue the industry tradition announced the successful launch of its third Offshore Wind Farm Service Vessel. This new 19 metre vessel is the first of a new design which is intended for the upcoming Round 3 offshore sites for the Renewable Offshore Industry in the U.K.

“Emerging East Coast maritime industries have the chance to become the pillars of innovative Strategy for growth and employment. At a European level the institute continue to play a pivotal role on research and innovation, the importance of marine science and the role that maritime and research will play in the creating of jobs and driving growth to secure our competitiveness.

“We need to capitalise on the massive economic potential in our marine sector. Our economic growth could have an enormous input from the translation of viable ideas and the delivery of jobs, and effective prosperity for the sector. “I encourage small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate across the whole Horizon 2020 programme and engagement in collaborative projects as part of a consortium, or seek support through a new dedicated SME.”

L.E. Orla will be berthed alongside Arklow this Friday

graham 2013, Defence, Wicklow - East Carlow

On the 29th of November 2013 at 2:00pm, the L.E Orla will be berthed alongside Arklow.

Deputy Doyle explains “L.É. Orla is a Peacock-class patrol vessel in the Irish Naval Service. Like the rest of her class, she was originally designed for use by the British Royal Navy in Hong Kong waters, and was delivered in 1985 by Hall, Russell & Company as HMS Swift. She is the sister ship to LÉ Ciara and her name comes from the daughter of Brian Boru.”

“In July 2007, the L.É. Orla assisted in Operation Seabight which resulted in the largest seizure of cocaine in the history of the state. Operation Seabight, is the codename used to describe the tracking and eventual seizure of up to €750 million of cocaine off the Irish coast in November 2008, thought to have been the largest such haul in the history of Ireland and one of the largest in Europe in 2008.”

”The Naval Service operates two Coastal Patrol Vessels. Due to their high speed and shallow draught these vessels are ideal for patrolling close to Ireland’s coastline. During their service these vessels have been involved in some of the largest seizures of narcotics and arms in Irish History and continue to guard our coast and it is a great honour for them to visit Arklow this week.”

“I welcome the this visit to Arklow and it’s a great opportunity to come and visit and see first-hand the operation of an active naval vessel charged with protecting the waters of Irelands coastline.”