The shipping industry has received a welcome boost with confirmation by the Minister for the Marine and Natural Re sources, Dr Woods, that he is to establish a dedicated maritime development office.
The new office will be set up as a constituent part of the existing Marine Institute for an initial three-year period.
Announcing details of the initiative in Dublin yesterday, the Minister said it represented a "milestone" and would help to develop the Irish fleet, consolidate and develop employment at sea and on shore, and attract ship registration to this State.
The number of ships on the Irish register has fallen from 75 in 1987 to 43. Employment has halved in the last decade to just over 1,200 people.
The new office will hope to reverse that trend, while also facilitating shipping related services such as financing, insurance, chartering, brokerage and legal advice.
The Irish Chamber of Shipping has expressed delight at the move, but has warned that it could not come too soon.
"It is vital to establish a basis on which Irish-owned, Irish-flagged vessels can compete against fleets which are putting the future of our industry at risk," Mr Brian Kerr, of the chamber, said yesterday.
The office's initial task will be to outline a legislative and fiscal infrastructure which will make Ireland attractive as a centre of maritime activity, the Minister said. As it evolves, its role will become increasingly promotional.
A representative of the IDA will be appointed to the advisory group, which will underpin the Irish Maritime Development Office - its official title.
Nominations for this group will be sought shortly, and will include three representatives from the shipping and shipping services sector.
The initiative ties in with the establishment of a national maritime college in Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour, the Minister added yesterday. Site investigation work is underway for the proposed college, which will aim to meet the training needs of both the Naval Service and mercantile sector.
