Coveney announces 158 new jobs in Irish seafood
The Processing Scheme provides state investment aimed at generating efficiencies in the processing sector. 18 companies have been approved for grant aid of €1.7 million representing a total investment of €7.4 million in the sector. The jobs will be created over a three year period.
“The projects approved for support create additional income and employment. For example, Fastnet Mussels Ltd in Cork will be investing in new capital equipment in order to produce value added cooked mussel products,” Minister Coveney said.
“Atlan Fish Ltd in Donegal are developing a value added processing area in order to increase production and broaden their product range, while Rockabill shellfish ltd in Dublin plan to increase production of value added prawn products and improve efficiencies through the installation of energy efficient equipment. In total 158 new jobs will be created around the country and will be a huge boost to local economies, many in rural coastal communities.”
The aims of the Processing Scheme are to add value to Irish seafood products, improve efficiency, promote consolidation and create additional income and employment within the sector.
The Minister also unveiled a pilot jobs initiative for the Killybegs region aimed at creating an additional 250 jobs in the area by 2014 The jobs initiative is a result of an economic study carried out for the EU Commission which assessed the status, development and potential diversification of Killybegs as a fisheries dependent community.
