More details were revealed yesterday about Government plans to install an onshore fishing facility at Marginal Wharf.

It was also confirmed fishermen will get duty-free diesel fuel for three years from April 1 cutting down the $450 diesel bill some pay for one fishing-trip to the Outer Banks.

At Wednesday?s Press conference, Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield said two onshore fishing facilities were planned, one at each end of the Island.

However, she could not say exactly where they would be.

?I could not identify that area right now but once the feasibility study has been done,? she said. ?We saw something recently when someone wanted to store fishing equipment and there was objections.

?So it is most important that we find the areas and talk to people in those areas.?

However, Ms Butterfield could overturn a Development Applications Board (DAB) decision last month that refused Planning permission to a small businessman who sought to build a fish importing warehouse near Cochrane Road, Sandys.

On February 21, the DAB refused permission to the West End Development Corporation to change the use of an abandoned 150-year-old listed building into a fish importing warehouse due to land zoning regulations.

However, the DAB hinted the plan could be approved on appeal to the Minister.

?In the event that the Minister is minded to grant approval on appeal, the board wishes to recommend that the restoration of the listed building should be monitored by the Heritage Officer of the Department of Planning,? it said in February.

On Wednesday, Ms Butterfield said the eastern fishing facility ? intended to be established during the 2006/2007 fiscal year ? will provide blast freezing and cold storage.

?This is an important initiative that the Ministry has developed to enhance the commercial fishing industry in Bermuda, in recognition of the value that commercial fishermen contribute to society by bringing fresh fish to the market,? she said.

?The long term objective is to increase the local production of fresh fish, to explore export potential, to provide employment opportunities and to encourage new fishermen into the industry.?

Last month Finance Minister Paula Cox said $300,000 had been budgeted to research whether Bermuda fish should be exported, while another $785,000 was earmarked for the Marginal Wharf facility.

In order for fishermen to collect their duty-free diesel, they need to submit claims to the Department of Environmental Protection for a rebate on a quarterly basis.

The department will also decide who will be eligible to become full-time commercial fishermen, she said.

In February, fisherman Andrew Faries said some fishermen were paying fuel $450 per trip out to the Banks on diesel fuel.

On Wednesday, Ms Butterfield added that the Ministry of the Environment was bringing in a consultant to decide where exactly on Marginal Wharf the facility would be located.