29,000 new jobs could be created in marine sector, Minister claims

The Minister for the Marine says 29,000 new jobs could be created in the marine sector by 2020.

Harnessing potential from the so-called "blue economy" is being discussed at an international conference taking place in Co Cork today.

There has been huge expansion in the maritime sector, and it is hoped it could lead to an extra €2.7 billion in economic growth within the next five years.

Ireland's so-called "blue economy" grew by 9% between 2010 and 2012, while GDP growth in the same period was 4.75%.

"We are thinking strategically in a way that's more ambitious than we've ever seen before," Minister Coveney said.

"Whether it's energy, fish, tourism, leisure, shipping - whatever the sector that's linked to the marine, we have a very definite plan to take those sectors forward with a focus on job creation [and] growth."

Other areas planned to development are renewable energy in the ocean and oil and gas explorations.

Minister Coveney also said environmental protection was factored into the plan for each industry sector.