Potential in Ireland for a marine industry that with government support could create jobs, tourism and profits.
The Boat Show and Caravan Exhibition at the RDS in Dublin opens with boats valued in the region of four million pounds. The Dublin Boat and Caravan show demonstrates the potential for the maritime industry in Ireland.
It's a potential which both in terms of tourism and job creation has not been realised.
Low budget boat sales are booming in Ireland. However, maritime executives believe that the government is missing out on the potential revenue from boats that need moorings, harbour facilities, and onshore services. They believe that sales of new and bigger vessels would improve if people had somewhere to keep them. While Ireland is in the grip of a recession, there is still some money floating about. Two boats in the £50,000 price range were sold even before the show had opened.
Despite lack of official support, a fledgling marine industry is taking shape in Ireland. Boat builders maintain that while exports are welcome, there is also money to be made selling to the local market if and when local facilities get council and government support.
One exhibitor says there is a need for government investment in facilities to encourage and support the marine industry.
The launch of a new magazine 'Afloat' hopes to encourage an interest in boating in Ireland. The magazine owners believe that the maritime industry has a huge amount of untapped potential and that the scope for expansion is enormous.
While the boating sector is struggling, the caravan and camping end of the market is doing well.
Families, it seems, are putting there money into holidays on wheels.
A growing number of sites throughout the country has led to a growth in caravan sales. There are currently 102 caravan sites and Bord Fáilte has got behind this providing grant aid to the industry. 34,000 people took caravan holidays in Ireland in 1981 accounting for a £25 million stake in the leisure market.
The state of the caravan and camping market makes the boating people see green with envy.
This episode of 'Ireland's Eye' was broadcast on 25 March 1982. The reporter is Brian Black.
