Press Release: Marine Minister Pat the Cope secures payment of EUR13.5 million for Irish vessels

Speaking at the EU Fisheries Council meeting in Luxembourg on 18 October 2004, the new Irish Minister of State for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Pat the Cope Gallagher, announced the successful conclusion of negotiations with the European Commission, which would result in grant aid totalling €13.5 million being released to the Irish fishing industry. This grant aid related to the renewal and modernisation of the Irish fishing fleet.