#Budget2016 - Ocean energy research will receive a further €4.5 million boost in next year's Budget, as announced by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

The funding follows from last year's €10 million allocation to ocean energy research, after the publication of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan in early 2014.

A total of €68 million has been allocated for energy efficiency and renewable energy in 2016 as revealed in Tuesday's Budget.

And a further €9 million is being provided for geoscience initiatives including the INFOMAR and TELLUS programmes, which will support expanded geoscience research in Ireland’s offshore and onshore.

INFOMAR researchers recently helped reveal the remains of World War I shipwrecks, some of which have not been seen since the boats went down a century ago.

#Budget2016 - The Seafood Development Programme will get a boost from next year's Budget, according to Marine Minister Simon Coveney.

Welcoming the €94 million in national co-funding under yesterday's Budget 2016 announcement, the minister says it will contribute, along with the allocation of almost €147 million for Ireland under the new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020, to enabling the launch of "new schemes" under the programme launched in March this year.

These will be "aimed at promoting the sustainable development of the seafood sector to 2020 and availing of the opportunities presented by the growing demand for seafood internationally."

Pending approval of the programme, Minister Coveney said he is "providing some €36 million to my department, the Marine Institute and BIM to fund the roll-out of capital investment schemes for the seafood sector under the programme.

"In 2016, this is expected to include the launch of a range of new investment schemes for the CFP discards ban, decommissioning scheme, sustainability in the inshore fisheries sector aquaculture development, seafood processing and Fisheries Local Action Groups."

The €36 million will come from the €103.8 million allocation for fisheries, fishery harbours and marine-related non-commercial State-sponsored bodies: the Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.

Minister Coveney also welcomed the publication yesterday of the independent Marine Taxation Review, which recommends potential areas for support of this key sector through the taxation system.

“I look forward to further engagement with Minister Noonan on the implementation of these recommendations, particularly in relation to the proposed extension of seafarers tax allowances to the fishing industry; and the recommendation for appropriate tax treatment to support the fishing vessel decommissioning scheme.”

#Budget2016 - €93m has been earmarked for Ireland's maritime programme for the next year - a 7% increase on 2015 spending – in the latest Budget announced yesterday (Tuesday 13 October).

Key among the targets of this funding, according to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS), are maintaining the quality and level of service through the Irish Coast Guard's search and rescue helicopter contract, and helping the Commissioner of Irish Lights transition to a new funding model.

"The Irish Coast Guard service requires a strong resource commitment on the part of the Exchequer," said a statement from the DTTAS yesterday (Tuesday 13 October). "The SAR helicopter has seen a step change in the quality of service on offer and that will remain a priority.

"Future developments in IT will also ensure the coastguard service remains best in class internationally."

The funding rise comes via an 8% increase in the departmental budget, as welcomed by Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe and Minister of State for Tourism Michael Ring yesterday.

That includes €2 million in additional funding for tourism initiatives such as the Wild Atlantic Way and the new Ireland's Ancient East.

Meanwhile, the 14% increase in the Public Service Obligation subvention for transport will be further good news to Aran Islands residents, coming after Aer Arann reached an agreement with the Government to extend its contract till the end of September next year, according to Galway Bay FM.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Marine and Defence Minister Simon Coveney also welcomed the €904 million allocation to defence funding for 2016 to facilitate the implementation of the department's White Paper proposals – which includes the commissioning of three new patrol ships.