Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed TD today launched two new major marine projects in Killybegs, Co. Donegal. The first of these was the redevelopment of the United Fish Industries (UFI) fishmeal plant which has just been completed at a cost of €30million. The second was the new Killybegs Small Craft Harbour built at a cost of €2.9million as reported by Afloat.ie in March here.
Minister Creed said that “I was delighted to be here today to officially launch the redevelopment of the UFI fishmeal plant in Killybegs. This is a very significant investment by the company and is a major vote of confidence in Killybegs and the Irish seafood industry. The board of Pelagia, the parent company of UFI, have shown their serious long term commitment to seafood in Ireland and it was a pleasure to meet them here today to be able to congratulate them in person.”
Minster Creed also officiated at the launch of the new Killybegs Small Craft Harbour. Minster Creed said at the launch that “This new harbour, fully funded by the State, is a first class facility capable of accommodating 63 boats ranging up to 15 metres in length with one berth capable of accommodating larger vessels in excess of 20 metres long. This is great development for Killybegs Harbour and will complement the existing world class facilities in place for our large fishing vessels.”
During his visit to Killybegs, Minster Creed also had meetings with the Killybegs Fishermens Organisation, the Irish Fish Processors & Exporters Association and the Inver Traditional Herring Fishermen to discuss a range of fisheries issues.
Separately and accompanied by Minister of State Joe McHugh TD, Minister Creed met with a number of local farming representatives.
