merrion street

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney today officially opened the major new €39.5 million Dinish Wharf Development on Dinish Island at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre and also launched the community led development strategy - ‘Castletownbere - An Economic Survey to Determine the Level of Seafood Activity and Establish its Economic Importance for the Region’ in Castletownbere, County Cork.

Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre is one of Ireland’s major fishing ports and is Ireland’s largest whitefish port.  Proximity to rich fishing grounds makes Castletownbere an attractive fish landing location for Irish and foreign vessels.  The major pier development on Dinish Island which commenced in 2005 as part of a multi stage project now provides world class infrastructure to grow the marine industries in Castletownbere to new levels.  The project is a major infrastructural development that included the dredging of the approach channel, inner harbour and berthing quay at Dinish Island, the construction of a 215m quay and associated infrastructure. 

The harbour can now accommodate more modern and larger vessels in our fleet and visiting fleets. The development will address congestion in the harbour and presents possibilities for other large fishing vessels to berth at Dinish Island increasing the supply of fish for processing or export and generating greater economic activity.   In addition, cruise vessels, large commercial or exploration vessels will also now be able to land into and operate out of Castletownbere.

The report - ‘Castletownbere - An Economic Survey to Determine the Level of Seafood Activity and Establish its Economic Importance for the Region’ which was facilitated by BIM is the result of a collaborative action by local stakeholders. The report details qualitative and quantative information on the value that fishing contributes to the town directly and indirectly through ancillary services.  Fishing has helped to sustain and develop the local economy. The report identifies new opportunities for the area.

Minister Coveney said;

The new Dinish Wharf Development at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre is an impressive piece of infrastructure. It provides a springboard to grow the fishing, aquaculture and associated industries to new heights and opens the door to the opportunities identified in the report being launched today. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of everyone associated with the construction of this facility, which was lead by my Department.

A number of key actions are outlined in the report including:

• Improved co-operation in the catching sector
• New gear adaptations and techniques
• Tuna processing
• Surimi processing of boarfish as well as other human consumption options
• Frozen prawns at sea brand
• Greater differentiation of product in the market place
• Explore the potential for adding value from foreign landings
• Increase aquaculture development and support including processing.

The report proposes that a local stakeholder group is tasked to implement the actions set out in the report.