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Coveney announces €8 million in new investment in seafood processing companies
Pictured are BIM Chairman Kieran Calnan, Marine Minister Simon Coveney and BIM CEO Jason Whooley at the launch of the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) 2013-2017 strategy
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney today announced the award of €2.4 million in grant aid to 25 seafood processing companies under the 2013 Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme. Taken in conjunction with private sector investment the total investment will be over €8 million in 2013.
Processing is a high growth area in Ireland’s seafood sector and has successfully targeted new business opportunities in markets like China, Russia and Africa. Overall exports were valued at €517m in 2012, an increase of 20% on 2012. This €8 million investment by the industry represents a very significant funding commitment by processing companies and Government to the seafood sector and underpins the confidence of new joint venture partnerships which were significant contributors to the increase in the value of Irish seafood exports in 2012.
The 25 companies receiving grant aid are from seven coastal counties across the country, namely Kerry, Dublin, Cork, Galway, Wexford, Mayo and Donegal.
Read the full press release here.